Health 21 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Medical Interns Find Shs1 Million Allowance Inadequate, Seek Higher Pay
Medical interns in Uganda are expressing strong dissatisfaction with the government's approved Shs1 million monthly allowance, arguing it falls short of covering basic living expenses and is less than what their counterparts in neighboring countries receive. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-medical-interns-are-dissatisfied-with-shs1m-allowance--5565626
Medical interns across Uganda have voiced their disappointment following the Cabinet’s decision to approve a net monthly allowance of Shs1 million. While acknowledging the effort, representatives for the interns state that this amount is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living, particularly for essentials like food, rent, and transportation.
Dr. Silver Ssegonga Shego, president of the Federation of Uganda Medical Interns, highlighted that the daily expenses for an intern can easily exceed Shs20,000 for food alone. When combined with rent and transport costs, the total monthly expenditure can reach approximately Shs1.2 million, leaving the Shs1 million allowance in deficit.
Interns were initially demanding a higher allowance before commencing their mandatory one-year training, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a practicing license. Dr. Shego indicated that a realistic minimum acceptable amount would be around Shs2.5 million, a figure previously promised by the President in 2021. The federation is now seeking the reinstatement of this directive and plans to engage in further negotiations with stakeholders.
Despite the dissatisfaction, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) president, Dr. Frank Asiimwe, has urged interns to report for duty, emphasizing the critical role they play in healthcare delivery. UMA is committed to working with authorities to find lasting solutions to the challenges faced by medical interns.
Interns have reportedly given the government a 90-day ultimatum to implement the Shs2.5 million payment as per the presidential directive. They are also calling for the withdrawal of the National Education and Training for Health Policy (NETH). Reports indicate that Uganda’s gross pay for interns is also lower than that of Kenya and Tanzania, despite these countries having larger economies.
This development comes after medical interns, including doctors, pharmacists, and graduate nurses, were expected to report to their sites between August 1 and August 14 but were delayed due to protests over the allowance. The situation underscores a broader debate on fair compensation for essential healthcare professionals undergoing crucial training.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)