Police in Uganda on Thursday, August 18th, raided a notorious abortion clinic and arrested the doctor, Moses Kaweesa. The police officers (disguised in plain clothes) raided Miriam Medical Centre in Bwaise and rescued secondary school girls who were being prepared to undergo abortion.
Drama ensued when one woman identified as Joan began to cry and plead for leniency because she was about to get married.
“Please do not arrest or expose me. I am going to get married soon but the husband-to-be is not the one responsible for the pregnancy,” Joan pleaded. “The wedding is due next Saturday” she sobbed.
One of the girls was bleeding and was immediately rushed to Mulago Hospital. Another 15-year-old, found in school uniform, is currently in police custody at Kawempe Police Station.
The doctor, who carries out the abortions, Moses Kaweesa, said, “If you arrest me, my life will be done. I get a living by helping girls abort.”
A total of seven people were arrested on the afternoon. Attempts by Moses Kaweesa to offer a bribe to the arresting police officers were futile.
The police worked along with officials from KCCA, Remnant Uganda (an NGO) and Reproductive Health Uganda to carry out the operation. Abortion in Uganda is illegal and carries a sentence of up to 14 years. Prior to the raid, Kampala Sun had published a story about choking the country’s capital.