The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to resolve the standoff over the deployment and welfare of medical interns.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the association warned a nationwide strike should the government fail to address grievances of the medical interns.
The resolution was reached at the conclusion of an extraordinary general assembly that brought together 4,500 health professionals from across Uganda and its diaspora.
“To safeguard the dignity of the medical profession and the quality and safety of healthcare delivery, doctors across Uganda shall commence industrial action upon the expiry of 14 days if the Ministry of Health fails to provide clear, written, and satisfactory communication regarding the deployment and adequate facilitation of medical interns,” the UMA said in a statement.
UMA President Dr. Frank Asiimwe was quoted as warning that doctors across the country will withdraw their services once the 14-day notice expires, though emergency and essential life-saving services will remain operational.
The association said it supports the interns’ decision not to report to internship facilities until the Ministry of Health provides clear assurances on their welfare. The interns demanded for a monthly allowance of Shs4 million, which UMA says should be paid consistently throughout the internship period.
The association argued that medical interns are qualified doctors and perform significant responsibilities in health facilities. “Medical interns are not students. They are qualified doctors, simply undergoing a mandatory one-year supervised practice,” Asiimwe said.
For newly graduated doctors, internship is the final stage before full professional practice. It requires them to relocate to health facilities, secure accommodation and meet transport and food costs while working in demanding clinical environments.
The association said 2,417 eligible medical interns should be deployed to accredited training sites across the country without discrimination or withdrawal of deployment orders.
It also wants government to immediately release outstanding payments owed to more than 300 medical interns, residents and fellows who, according to UMA, have not been paid since July 2025 despite holding government contracts.
UMA further called for the withdrawal or suspension of the National Education and Training for Health Policy to allow wider consultation with stakeholders.
MG/as/APA