Judicial officers and practitioners have been encouraged to navigate the legacy of colonialism, historical injustices, and outdated legal policies to promote justice and equality.
At a three-day Reproductive Justice Litigation Baraza in Entebbe, participants emphasized the need to review and adapt old laws to align with modern values and societal needs.
The event, organized by Ahaki Afya na Haki Institute and partners, aimed to foster dialogue on advancing reproductive justice across Africa.
Dr. Mulumba Moses, Director General of Afya na Haki, highlighted the importance of addressing the impact of colonialism on sexual reproductive health and rights.
"We need to confront the legacy of 60 years of colonialism in Uganda, which left laws and systems that still affect how we approach sexual reproductive health and rights," Dr. Mulumba said.
"We must review old laws, such as those criminalizing people with sexually transmitted diseases, and question practices like judicial officers wearing wigs that can intimidate people seeking justice."
Justice Eva Luswata of the Court of Appeal emphasized the need for collaboration between the Justice and Constitutional Ministry and the Health Ministry to address sexual reproductive health and rights.
The Baraza, themed "Reimagining a Regional Afrocentric Approach to Litigation Reproductive Justice through South-South Knowledge Exchange," attracted legal participants from Uganda and international countries.
Dorothy Amuron from CEHURD noted that reviewing colonial-era laws would enhance capacities and advocacy to amend them to suit current human rights standards.
The conversation brought together participants from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, the USA, and other countries to discuss the way forward on pre-colonial laws still in existence and their impact on Uganda's judicial system.
