Health 16 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UMA Condemns Arrest of Medical Interns, Demands Release
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has strongly condemned the arrest and remand of eight medical interns who were protesting for assurance of their monthly allowances. UMA president Dr. Frank Asiimwe has called for their immediate release, stating the actions are a grave injustice. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uma-demands-release-of-remanded-medical-interns-5560610
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) is vehemently protesting the recent arrest and subsequent remand of eight medical interns. The interns were detained after demonstrating on August 12, 2026, in Kampala, demanding a government assurance for a Shs4 million monthly allowance before commencing their mandatory internship.
Appearing before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, the interns were charged with causing common nuisance. Prosecution alleged they obstructed traffic on Parliamentary Avenue while displaying placards with messages like “No pay, no reporting.” The interns have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In a letter addressed to the Ministers of Health and Justice, the Chief Justice, and the Speaker of Parliament, UMA president Dr. Frank Asiimwe described the sequence of events – from arrest to being denied bail and remanded to Luzira Prison – as an “intolerable escalation” and a “grave injustice.”
Dr. Asiimwe emphasized the critical role medical interns play in healthcare delivery across the nation’s hospitals, calling them the “backbone of clinical service delivery.” He stated that UMA will not stand by while these professionals are “treated as criminals, used as bargaining chips, or made scapegoats for structural administrative failures.”
While the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has indicated that Cabinet will discuss the matter, he had previously urged the interns to begin their training as discussions on allowances continue. He confirmed that government-sponsored medical interns would receive allowances, and deliberations were underway regarding the UMA’s proposed Shs4 million monthly allowance, a significant increase from the current Shs1 million.
Medical interns are vital professionals who have completed medical school and undergo a year of practical training in hospitals to obtain their practicing licenses.