Uganda’s Constitutional Court has ruled that the government’s failure to provide basic maternal healthcare services violates the constitution and subjects women to inhumane and degrading treatment.

The court awarded $84,000 (£64,000) in damages to the families of two women who died during childbirth at state hospitals.

The judgement comes nine years after the case was filed by health rights activists and two mothers whose daughters died while giving birth.

The families argued that their daughters died because of a lack of basic medical equipment - such as surgical blades - and the unethical behaviour of health workers. The court agreed with their argument.

The court said the government should increase spending on maternal health and make sure staff are properly trained and heath centres are equipped within two years.

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health survey, 16 women die each day in the country from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.