Health 18 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Cabinet Reverses Intern Pay Policy Amidst Parliament Pressure
The Ugandan Cabinet has suspended a contentious policy that would have reduced allowances for privately-sponsored medical interns, ensuring they receive the same monthly facilitation as their government-sponsored counterparts. The decision follows significant debate in Parliament and addresses key grievances of junior healthcare workers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/cabinet-rescinds-contested-internship-policy-as-parliament-pushes-for-pay-hike-5561906
Cabinet has decided to halt a controversial policy that proposed different levels of financial support for medical interns based on their sponsorship.
This reversal means all 2,490 medical interns who will be deployed across 77 accredited training centers will receive an equal monthly facilitation of Shs1,268,929 before taxes. This will result in a net pay of approximately Shs1 million per month for all interns, effectively restoring the previous arrangement.
Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, informed Parliament of the decision, stating that Cabinet recommended suspending the provision that would have limited privately-sponsored interns to a meal allowance of Shs483,334.
In a related development, the government has also dropped another proposed change that would have required medical students to complete their internship before graduating. The established practice, which allows students to graduate after passing final exams with internship remaining a requirement for professional practice, has been reaffirmed.
Following these policy changes, the deadline for interns to report to their assigned deployment centers has been extended to Friday of the current week. Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized that those who do not report by this new deadline may be considered to have opted out of the internship program.
The Minister also addressed concerns about senior doctors’ absenteeism and inadequate supervision of interns, noting that this practice is unacceptable and that comprehensive health workforce policies are being developed. The Leader of the Opposition, however, urged for continued engagement to improve intern remuneration further, considering the rising cost of living.