Medical Workers Sue Government Over Sudden Allowance Cuts

Medical professionals, represented by the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) and the Federation for Uganda Medical Interns, approached the High Court on Wednesday to challenge the government’s abrupt removal of allowances for medical interns in district roles, Senior House Officers (SHOs) pursuing studies outside their districts, and refugee intern doctors.

Lawyer Jane Namaganda Kibira argued that these allowances are vital for basic needs like food and housing, not luxuries. She highlighted how the cuts violate rights to health and education, forcing hungry doctors to treat patients and blocking their postgraduate training to become specialists.

The petitioners decry discrimination, noting that other public servants receive extra allowances when posted away from home districts, unlike SHOs earning just Shs1 million monthly. They also label the grueling schedules—full-year work with minimal leave—as exploitative, akin to slavery.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyona defended the decision, stating that payroll employees cannot receive double payments and refugee interns, being non-Ugandans, are ineligible.

Affected workers like intern Namutebi Florence expressed frustration over government spending priorities, pointing to lavish payouts elsewhere while health workers suffer. The group seeks court visits to training facilities, restoration of allowances, and boosted Health Ministry funding.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)