By Vivian Nakaliika

Hearing of the human rights violation case against the Office of the Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital and the Attorney General(Civil suit NO. 212 of 2013) has been adjourned to the 4th of February 2015.

The Duo is accused of violating the right to health, right to access health information, rights to family and the child – of Musimenta Jennifer and her partner Michael Mubangizi – guaranteed under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

During today’s court session it turned out that the Counsel for the plaintiffs was ready to proceed with the matter while his counterpart from the defendants’ side was not ready.

The Judge reminded the office of the Solicitor General that the matter had been adjourned numerous times so that parties can try and reach an amicable solution to no avail.

Her Lordship Lydia Mugambe cautioned the Office of the Solicitor General to get serious with the matter and awarded costs to the plaintiffs for today’s and the 12th/11/2014 court session.

Background

It is alleged that Ms. Musimenta Jennifer and her partner Michael Mubangizi went to Mulago National referral hospital with hopes of delivering their baby (who turned out to be twins). Even though the hospital provided them with a form indicating the birth of twins, they were only given one child upon discharge. When they insisted on getting the second one, the hospital availed the couple with a dead fresh body after three days. Their effort to request for their medical records was futile. The DNA test that was conducted revealed that the samples from the deceased were incompatible with those of the parents.

Court directed that both parties pursue an amicable settlement, failure of which court would proceed to hear the matter.