Archbishop Kaziimba Criticizes MP Car Budget Amidst Medical Intern Allowance Crisis

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda has publicly denounced the government’s financial priorities, particularly its decision to stop allowances for medical interns while allocating substantial funds for Members of Parliament’s vehicles.

Speaking at a service at All Saints’ Cathedral on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Archbishop Kaziimba questioned the allocation of Shs158 billion for MP vehicles, contrasting it with the alleged lack of Shs28 billion needed to pay medical interns. He highlighted that these interns form the backbone of the healthcare system, with senior doctors often absent from hospitals.

The government’s new National Education and Training for Health Policy mandates a compulsory one-year internship before degree awarding, and has removed the monthly upkeep allowances for medical interns. Previously, interns received Shs1 million monthly, a reduction from Shs2.4 million agreed upon after strikes in 2021.

Financial experts and civil society groups have echoed the Archbishop’s concerns. They estimate that the cost of a single MP’s vehicle, approximately Shs300 million, could adequately support five intern doctors for five years. This funding issue arises at a critical time when Uganda’s health sector faces a severe shortage of professionals, with over 187,000 positions unfilled and a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:24,000, far below the WHO recommendation of 1:1,000.

Archbishop Kaziimba also urged the government to bolster support for healthcare workers combating the Ebola virus outbreak and implored the public to adhere to health ministry guidelines.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)