Uganda: Doctors Give Government 14 Days to Resolve Medical Intern Crisis

What the report says

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has given the government 14 days to settle a dispute over the deployment and welfare of medical interns, warning that doctors could launch nationwide industrial action if there is no acceptable response. The ultimatum was issued at an Extraordinary General Assembly attended by about 4,500 doctors from Uganda and the diaspora, according to UMA president Dr. Frank Asiimwe.

The core issue is the status of medical interns, who have remained at home while waiting for clarity on deployment, remuneration and support for basic living costs during the mandatory one-year internship. UMA says the interns are qualified doctors in supervised practice, not students, and that they should be posted to accredited training sites without discrimination. The association is also backing the interns’ call for a monthly allowance of Shs4 million, which it says should be paid consistently throughout the internship period.

In addition, UMA wants government to release unpaid arrears owed to more than 300 medical interns, residents and fellows, and to reconsider the National Education and Training for Health Policy so it can be discussed with stakeholders. The group said any punishment against interns for refusing to report could trigger faster action. It also said emergency and other life-saving services would continue if doctors strike. More broadly, the dispute reflects ongoing concerns in Uganda over health-sector funding, staffing shortages and conditions for medical workers.