Earlier today, Women With A Mission (WWM) led by its Executive Director – Betty Balisalamu, Wafula David, and Auma Anjera, represented by Wafula David, took a crucial step towards addressing the violations faced by school-going learners in Uganda.
With the support of Springs Public Interest Hub, an application was filed in the High Court of Tororo to challenge the Revised Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Teenage Pregnancy in School Settings in Uganda, 2020.
The application highlights the egregious practice of mandatory pregnancy testing of school-going children without their consent – a violation of their privacy, dignity, and fundamental human rights. This invasive practice has not only caused physical discomfort but also left lasting effects on the mental health of the affected learners, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression.
Section 3.2(1) of the Revised Guidelines enforces mandatory pregnancy testing on school-going children without their consent.
The legal action taken seeks redress for these violations and underscores the importance of respecting every child’s right to education, privacy, dignity, and access to comprehensive healthcare.
The application requests legal declarations of the violations and damages for the harm caused to the affected learners. It is a call to action for all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, to rectify these violations promptly and ensure the well-being and rights of all pregnant teenage learners in Ugandan schools.
Every child deserves to be treated with respect, and their autonomy and rights must be upheld without compromise. This relentless pursuit of justice reflects a commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all learners in Uganda.
Legal action against violations of school-going learners’ rights in Ugandan schools is crucial to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Upholding the rights of students is essential for their overall well-being and academic success. The legal action aims to hold accountable those responsible for infringing upon the rights of young learners.