External Forces Misleading Medical Interns to Strike, Baryomunsi Tells Parliament

What the report says

Uganda’s Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi told Parliament that unnamed “external forces” may be encouraging medical interns to stay away from their deployment stations as a dispute over welfare and facilitation grows. The remarks came on Wednesday during debate prompted by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who had presented a statement from the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) warning of possible industrial action.

According to Nile Post, Baryomunsi said government is still consulting stakeholders on new policy measures linked to interns’ welfare, and he urged the young professionals to report to their assigned facilities while talks continue. He did not identify who he believed was influencing the interns, but argued that they should complete internship because it is required before full professional practice.

UMA has backed the interns’ concerns and advised them not to report until government addresses accommodation, transport, meals and other basic needs. The association is seeking a monthly allowance of Shs4 million for each intern, deployment of all 2,417 eligible interns to accredited sites, written assurances on future allowances, and payment of arrears it says are owed to more than 300 medical interns, residents and fellows since July 2025.

The dispute has added pressure on government and Parliament. Ssenyonyi said interns carry significant responsibilities in health facilities and should not be expected to work without adequate support. UMA has also said emergency and other life-saving services would continue if doctors proceed with industrial action.