Unsafe abortion clinics in Kampala thrive beneath the surface of Uganda’s healthcare system. A growing underground network of abortion brokers exploits the country’s restrictive laws, putting vulnerable women and girls at great risk. These hidden facilities pose a serious threat to public health and safety.
These brokers operate secretly, connecting clients with unlicensed doctors who perform abortions in unsanitary and concealed clinics. Article 22 of the 1995 Constitution protects the right to life and prohibits terminating an unborn child unless legally allowed. However, the article lacks clear guidance on when abortion is permitted, creating legal ambiguity.
Daphne, a 24-year-old university student, shared her harrowing experience. During her second year, she struggled financially and began dating Brian, an older man who initially seemed supportive. After she became pregnant, however, he abandoned her. Feeling isolated and desperate, she turned to a fellow student who referred her to a broker.
The broker demanded an upfront payment via mobile transfer. The procedure caused extreme pain and happened without anesthesia. Daphne left the clinic with only painkillers and deep emotional scars. Her story reflects a wider crisis fueled by Uganda’s restrictive abortion laws.
Gloria Namuleme from Ndeeba lost her sister, Lydia Nabbanja, to complications after an abortion. Lydia had become withdrawn during her second university year. She returned home weak and pale and soon collapsed. At the hospital, doctors confirmed she had undergone an unsafe abortion that caused a fatal infection. Her family remains devastated.
Many women find brokers through past clients or online forums. Brokers profit by charging fees and taking a cut from the procedure costs. To stay anonymous, they communicate exclusively via phone and mobile money, using unregistered contacts.
Prices usually range between Shs150,000 and Shs500,000, depending on the pregnancy stage. Unsafe abortion clinics in Kampala operate discreetly in areas such as Makindye, Masajja, Makerere, Nakulabye, and Namasuba. These facilities often hide behind pharmacies or stores, shielding themselves from public view.
In Makindye, a broker arranged a meeting at a run-down clinic with no signage. The doctor arrived late, carrying minimal tools, and requested a CT scan to determine the pregnancy stage. He stressed the need for discretion due to legal risks.
In Masajja, a drug shop directed the reporter to a clinic behind a pharmacy. The facility lacked basic necessities like running water and sanitation. Staff pressured clients to decide quickly and discouraged them from asking questions.
In Makerere, students often find brokers through social media. These brokers downplay the risks and push for quick procedures. Appointments happen quietly, and students feel reassured by peers’ testimonials.
In Nakulabye, a so-called women’s wellness center covertly offers abortion services. The broker and doctor dismiss patient concerns, urging compliance without question. They prioritize speed and secrecy over safety.
In Namasuba, a retired midwife runs a clinic behind a hardware store and relies on brokers to bring clients. She uses a fixed price list, while brokers warn clients against cheaper options, citing safety concerns. Procedures usually take place early in the morning or late at night to avoid detection.
Uganda’s Penal Code (Cap 120) criminalizes abortion. Section 141 punishes anyone who performs abortions with up to 14 years in prison. Section 142 penalizes women seeking abortions with up to seven years. Uganda Police reported 68 abortion-related cases in 2024, down slightly from 81 in 2023.
An official from the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council revealed that some doctors from major hospitals secretly run these clinics. They do so to earn extra income and avoid legal restrictions. The council continues raising public awareness about the dangers of unregulated abortions.
Law enforcement faces challenges investigating abortion cases because victims rarely report them. Many women seek medical help instead of going to police to protect their privacy. As a result, most cases come from community members who discover evidence of abortion or infanticide. Police therefore rely heavily on whistleblowers.
Dr. Joel Lwasa, a gynecologist at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, warns that unsafe abortions cause severe complications, including infections and internal injuries. He has performed emergency surgeries, including uterus removal, to save women’s lives. He blames the law’s vagueness for the lack of regulation and accountability.
Dr. Lwasa says legal ambiguity around abortion has allowed the underground market to flourish. He urges lawmakers to revise existing laws and expand access to safe reproductive healthcare. Doing so would protect countless women from exploitation and life-threatening procedures at unsafe abortion clinics in Kampala.
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