Government Assures Medical Interns of Allowance Payments Amidst Policy Changes

Lawmakers have received assurances that medical interns deployed across various health facilities nationwide will be paid their allowances. Over 2,000 medical interns have been deployed, a move occurring amidst policy changes concerning allowance disbursements.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Ruth Aceng, clarified in Parliament that the new policy primarily impacts private medical interns, not those sponsored by the government. “Private medical interns are the ones without facilitation. The Minister of Health [Hon. Chris Baryomunsi] was asked to provide more information because even senior medical officers are affected,” Aceng stated.

This statement was in response to concerns voiced by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, during a plenary session. Ssenyonyi highlighted that medical interns, expected to report to their duty stations imminently, had not yet received official commitment for their Shs1 million monthly allowance. He expressed worries about interns lacking the necessary funds for transport and initial living expenses to commence their work.

Ssenyonyi also took the opportunity to question the government regarding the prolonged suspension of several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). He noted that ten NGOs have been suspended for eight months over alleged subversive activities without being granted a chance to defend themselves. He urged for their reinstatement, emphasizing the job losses incurred by Ugandans employed by these organizations.

Medical education and internship policy in Uganda mandates that medical students complete a supervised clinical internship before being awarded their university degrees. The Ministry of Health’s commitment aims to ensure that these essential trainees are adequately supported during this critical phase of their professional development.