KAMPALA, Uganda | A group representing women lawyers, FIDA, has petitioned the constitutional court to quash discriminatory pregnancy laws, arguing that Regulation 2.9 of the Ministry of Education and Sports’ 2021 Health Training Institutions Rules and Regulations is unconstitutional.

In a petition submitted on June 19, 2025, FIDA contests regulation 2.9 of health training institutions, which was established by the Ministry of Education and Sports in 2021 and requires students to report pregnancies, submit to mandatory testing, and face sanctions.

According to FIDA, articles 24 and 44 violate the right to be free from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

Susan Baluku, strategic litigation’s legal advisor, claims that several Ugandan health training institutions have been applying the rule in a way that unfairly disadvantages female students, undermining their right to dignity and education.

”Male students alleged to be responsible for pregnancies are also subjected to sanctions without adherence to principles.” Baluku added

She also disclosed that, in violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, the policy discriminates against female students.

”FIDA remains steadfast in its mandate to advance and protect the rights of women and girls. We believe that no student should be subjected to humiliation, exclusion, or discrimination due to pregnancy.” Baluku stated

In its petition, FIDA asks the court to declare these provisions unconstitutional and void and to issue an injunction to prevent their implementation. It also calls on the government to create appropriate guidelines for the protection and accommodation of pregnant students in health training institutions.