news 17 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Eight Medical Interns Granted Bail After Salary Protest
A Kampala court has granted bail to eight medical interns who were arrested and remanded for protesting delayed salaries on Parliamentary Avenue. The interns were accused of causing a public nuisance by blocking traffic. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eight-medical-interns-out-on-bail-after-parliamentary-ave-protest-5561256
Eight medical interns, who were remanded for protesting delayed salaries, have been released on bail from Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court. The interns, accused of blocking traffic on Parliamentary Avenue on August 12, 2026, were granted bail after the court determined that the charge of being a public nuisance is bailable.
Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo stated that the interns were entitled to bail as the offence carries a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment. The prosecution had objected to the bail for some of the accused, citing that their sureties, described as “just friends,” were not substantial enough to guarantee their return to court.
However, the defense successfully argued that the law does not mandate specific relationships for sureties, and friendship or professional association are valid. The court agreed, noting that all accused individuals have verified places of residence. Each intern was granted cash bail of Shs200,000, with their sureties bonded at Shs3 million non-cash.
The interns, who were dressed in white coats and carried placards with messages like “NO PAY, NO REPORTING,” were protesting the delay in their salary payments. Their case highlights growing concerns among medical interns regarding remuneration and working conditions in public health facilities. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for September 21.