The Ministry of Health has reacted to a four day ultimatum issued by medical interns over unpaid allowances and poor pay.
Emmanuel Ainebyona, the Ministry of Health Spokesman, has attributed the delay in paying intern arrears to the challenging economic situation in the country.
Responding to an ultimatum issued by medical interns through the Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI), Ainebyona acknowledged the government’s efforts but emphasized that economic limitations contribute significantly to the payment delays.
“We are working tirelessly to disburse funds on time, but economic constraints play a significant role in the delays.” he said
Medical interns, led by FUMI President Bill Adrati, issued an ultimatum threatening to strike if the government fails to clear their three months’ arrears from August to November by December 01st.
They also demanded the government commit to President’s orders to set their allowances at 2.5 million. Adrati accused the government of non-compliance, alleging their involvement in an illegality without official communication.
In addition to payment concerns, interns protested against the government’s lack of consultation in drafting a medical intern’s policy. Dr. Mirembe Joel, Secretary-General of UMA, expressed discontent, stating, “This lack of inclusion is unfair and undermines our role in shaping policies that affect our profession.”
The Ministry of Health, in July, received clearance to deploy interns to 58 centers across the country, citing factors beyond their control for the delayed deployment.
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director-General, Health Services, revealed a deployment list was released under revised terms guided by the government. The interns were to receive a net monthly allowance of UGX 1,000,000, contrary to the May cabinet’s resolution of shs1.5 million.
In May 2023, a cabinet meeting resolved that payment for medical interns, which normally ranges from Shs1.5m to 2.5m, should be maintained to keep the young medical workers motivated as they handle patients.
Interns have also issued a one-month ultimatum for the government to finalize the drafting of their policy, demanding consultation before approval. Their discontent stems from the ministry drafting the policy without involving them as stakeholders.