Uganda Moves to Tighten Rules on Dual Employment for Health Workers

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Health is preparing new rules to curb dual employment and dual practice among health workers, according to Nile Post. Under the guidance, public-sector health workers would generally be barred from taking private-sector jobs, with an exception only for super-specialists who receive special approval from the ministry and the relevant public service authorities.

The policy is intended to keep government-paid staff available for public facilities, improve patient protection and strengthen delivery of health services. The guidance also sets conditions for any approved dual work: workers must be on contract with government or serve as locums, and they must disclose their private-sector roles to the private employer and the appropriate professional council.

The Ministry says sanctions may follow if workers ignore the rules, and private facilities will also be held responsible for making sure their employees are not simultaneously employed by the public sector. Enforcement is expected to involve the Ministry of Health, the Health Service Commission, the Ministry of Public Service, the Ministry of Local Government and professional councils.

The move comes amid broader concern about staffing levels, deployment and the need to make better use of Uganda’s health workforce. In general policy terms, restrictions on dual practice are often used to reduce absenteeism and conflicts of interest, though the practical effect will depend on implementation and compliance.