In the heart of Uganda’s fishing villages, a hidden crisis is claiming lives and exposing deep inequalities.
At Kigungu Landing Site, unsafe abortions have become a grim reality, driven by poverty, stigma, and a lack of access to healthcare.
This pressing issue underscores the urgent need for enhanced reproductive health services and support for marginalized populations.
The Stark Reality
Unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal deaths in Uganda, accounting for 26% of fatalities, according to the Ministry of Health.
The Guttmacher Institute reports that a staggering 314,000 unsafe abortions occur annually, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities like fishing villages.
The Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (2022) reveals that unintended pregnancies remain a significant challenge, particularly in underserved regions.
These pregnancies often lead to unsafe abortions, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability and poor health outcomes.
Voices from the Ground
Nociata Namuddu, a women’s counselor at Kigungu Landing Site, paints a heartbreaking picture of the struggles faced by women in the community.
“Every day, I speak to women and girls who are terrified and desperate,” she says.
Many of these women are sex workers or engaged in informal fish-related jobs, making them highly vulnerable.
“They fear societal judgment and stigma. They lack financial independence and have no support system,” Namuddu explains.
Faced with unintended pregnancies, these women often resort to unsafe abortions.
“They see no other way out. They’re risking their lives, and many of these struggles could be avoided with better healthcare and support services,” she adds.
A Call for Action
Organizations like Family Medical Point (FMP) and Voices for Health and Development are working tirelessly to address these challenges.
Polyne Nabwire, Head of Programs at FMP, emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions. “
The crisis of unsafe abortion in fishing communities is a symptom of deeper social and economic inequalities,” she notes. “Many women lack access to contraception, face gender-based violence, and have no safe options for unintended pregnancies.”
Juliet Esther Apio, leader of Voices for Health and Development, echoes this sentiment.
“We cannot continue to ignore the suffering of women in these communities,” she asserts. “It’s time for policy change that ensures access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all women, regardless of where they live.”
The Bigger Picture
The plight of women at Kigungu Landing Site reflects a broader national issue.
Without urgent intervention, more women and young girls will continue to suffer the devastating consequences of inadequate healthcare, economic hardship, and social stigma.
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day, stakeholders called for amplifying the voices of fishing communities and prioritizing their right to safe reproductive healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- Unsafe Abortions: A leading cause of maternal deaths in Uganda, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
- Root Causes: Poverty, stigma, lack of healthcare access, and unintended pregnancies drive the crisis.
- Community Voices: Women in Kigungu face multifaceted challenges, including economic hardship and societal judgment.
- Call to Action: Enhanced reproductive health services, policy changes, and community empowerment are urgently needed.
