Uganda Reverses Plan, Medical Interns to Receive Full Shs1 Million Allowance

In a significant policy reversal, the Ugandan government has decided to continue providing a full monthly net allowance of Shs1 million to all medical interns, regardless of their sponsorship status during university.

This decision comes after weeks of public outcry, media attention, and protests from medical interns who opposed a proposed change in the National Education and Training for Health Policy. The original proposal aimed to differentiate allowances, with government-sponsored interns receiving the full amount while privately sponsored ones would only get meal support.

Minister of Health, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, announced the reversal in Parliament, stating that Cabinet recommended suspending the contentious provision. “The current cohort of interns will all receive a net pay of Shs1 million,” he confirmed.

The government has also expanded internship centers to 77, accommodating 2,490 interns across various medical professions. Minister Baryomunsi has been tasked by Cabinet to conduct a broader review of human resource challenges in the health sector.

Additionally, a proposal to mandate internship before graduation has been scrapped. Medical students will continue to graduate based on academic completion, with internship remaining a separate requirement for professional practice.

While the decision was welcomed by opposition figures like Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, he urged the government to consider the depreciating value of the Shs1 million allowance due to inflation and to establish a sustainable, long-term facilitation plan for future interns.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Hon. Julius Rude, emphasized the need to budget for internship facilitation and called for improved accommodation for interns. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, also advised ministers to proactively update Parliament on significant Cabinet decisions.

Discussions are also underway to secure the release of medical interns who were arrested during demonstrations against the initial policy.

Source: Howwe Entertainment