Eight medics remanded over intern pay protest

What the report says

Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala has remanded eight medical interns and health workers who were arrested during a protest over unpaid intern placements. According to The Observer, the group was detained on Wednesday, August 12, along Parliamentary Avenue while wearing white coats and holding placards calling for payment for medical interns.

The eight were later brought before grade one magistrate Rophine Acayo on Friday and charged with being a nuisance on a public road. The report identified them as Dr Jamadah Kagahe, Jane Nantege, Lawrence William Mukiibi, Nicholas Wamuwaya, Silver Ssengonga, Allan Okwir, Daniel Kirunda and Ggala Luke. Prosecutors said they had blocked or affected traffic on the avenue, while the accused denied the allegations.

Their lawyers, from the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, applied for bail, saying the medics should be allowed to continue their professional duties. The defence also told court that paperwork for proposed sureties could not be uploaded because the court’s electronic system was reportedly down. The judge remanded the group until Monday, August 17, when the bail application is expected to be heard.

The case comes amid broader pressure from medical interns in Uganda over government policy on reporting without pay. Interns and their supporters say the lack of remuneration makes it difficult for them to cover basic needs while serving at health facilities.