Ugandan singer Sheebah Karungi has been widely praised for using her voice and platform to openly discuss a maternal health condition that affects millions of women but is rarely talked about.

During a recent episode of Smiling Through It on her podcast, Let's Talk About It, Sheebah revealed that she developed a pelvic floor injury after giving birth, leaving her with stress urinary incontinence a condition that caused her to leak urine whenever she laughed, sneezed, danced, or made certain movements.

"I was peeing on myself," Sheebah admitted, describing the condition as one of the most difficult experiences she has faced since becoming a mother.

Women's rights advocates have described her decision to speak publicly as a courageous step that could encourage more women to seek medical care instead of suffering in silence.

Betty Nambooze said many women experience stress urinary incontinence after childbirth but remain silent because of stigma, embarrassment, and fear of being judged.

"I want to thank Sheebah for using her voice and platform to openly discuss a personal health issue that affects more women than statistics can truly capture. Her coming out will encourage more women to seek medical help and raise awareness about the condition, ultimately improving the quality of life for mothers across the country," Nambooze said.

What Causes Postpartum Urinary Incontinence?

Medical experts explain that urinary leakage after childbirth is commonly caused by damage or weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel.

During pregnancy and vaginal delivery, these muscles can become overstretched or torn, particularly after prolonged labour, the birth of a large baby, instrumental deliveries such as forceps or vacuum extraction, or multiple pregnancies.

The result can be stress urinary incontinence, a condition in which urine leaks during activities that put pressure on the bladder, including coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, exercising, or even walking.

While many women recover naturally within weeks or months after giving birth, others continue to experience symptoms for years if they do not receive appropriate treatment.

According to international health studies, nearly one in three women experiences some degree of urinary incontinence after childbirth, making it one of the most common maternal health complications worldwide.

The Hidden Emotional Toll

Beyond the physical discomfort, pelvic floor disorders can have a profound impact on a woman's mental and emotional well-being.

Many women withdraw from social activities, avoid exercising, stop travelling long distances, or develop anxiety over the possibility of leaking urine in public. Others experience depression, reduced self-confidence, and feelings of isolation because they believe they are alone in their experience.

For celebrities like Sheebah, whose career depends on energetic performances and constant public appearances, the condition can be particularly distressing.

Rather than hiding her experience, however, she chose to speak openly, a decision that has been widely applauded by women's health advocates.

Treatment is Available

Medical specialists emphasize that postpartum stress urinary incontinence is treatable.

Treatment usually begins with pelvic floor physiotherapy, commonly known as Kegel exercises, which strengthen the muscles that support the bladder. Depending on the severity of the condition, women may also benefit from bladder training, lifestyle changes, weight management, medications, or surgery.