KAMPALA – The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called on the Government to reconsider the remuneration and welfare of medical interns, warning that the current facilitation package could trigger fresh industrial unrest in the health sector.
UPC spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon said Government’s decision to reinstate facilitation for medical interns is welcome, but argued that the amount offered is inadequate given the rising cost of living and the demanding nature of medical internship.
According to Arach, medical interns initially demanded a monthly payment of Shs4 million, while Government has offered a gross monthly payment of Shs1,268,929, leaving approximately Shs1 million after statutory deductions.
She said the decision to facilitate the current cohort of 2,417 interns has ended the immediate standoff, but warned that a temporary arrangement without a long-term policy on internship remuneration will only postpone the problem.
“The piecemeal approach does not solve the underlying problem. Without a sustainable, long-term policy on interns’ welfare and remuneration, we shall face the same consequences and industrial unrest next year,” Arach said.
She noted that many interns have to meet the costs of accommodation, transport and food while working in hospitals that are already struggling with staffing shortages.
Arach said some interns work long hours, including extended shifts, yet are expected to survive on approximately Shs1 million a month.
She also criticised the deterioration of institutional accommodation for health workers, saying the loss of staff housing has increased the financial burden on medical professionals.
According to Arach, Government should revisit its previous commitment to make remuneration for science professionals more attractive in order to retain skilled personnel and improve service delivery.
She warned that poor remuneration could accelerate the migration of Ugandan health professionals to other countries where their skills are better rewarded.
“Labour is highly mobile and moves to where it is best rewarded. Failure to improve the welfare of medical staff and interns will accelerate brain drain, and when that happens, it is the ordinary Ugandan who will suffer most,” she said.
Arach further argued that continued industrial unrest in the health sector risks affecting patients, particularly ordinary Ugandans who cannot afford treatment abroad.
She said the Government should prioritise investment in public health facilities, medicines, staffing and the welfare of health workers as part of efforts to protect lives and improve healthcare.
The UPC spokesperson also dismissed debates over relocating Uganda’s capital city, saying the immediate concerns of citizens are access to quality public services, affordable healthcare, education, housing and accountability for public resources.
“Ugandans want services, technology, policy change and protection of their rights. They want accountability for the taxes they pay,” she said.
Arach urged Government to use the current dispute as an opportunity to develop a comprehensive policy on medical internships and health-worker remuneration rather than relying on short-term interventions.
She said a sustainable approach would help improve the welfare of medical professionals, reduce industrial unrest and strengthen Uganda’s health system.
