UMA Criticizes Minister's Summary Suspension of Doctor Over 'Pocketing' Incident

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as “political theatrics” by government officials, particularly following the recent summary suspension of Dr. Robert Candia. The incident occurred during an oversight visit by the Minister of State for Health, Anifa Kawooya, to Arua Regional Referral Hospital.

Dr. Candia was reportedly suspended by the minister after being seen with his hands in his pockets while interacting with her. A video circulating on social media showed Minister Kawooya confronting the doctor and ordering his immediate removal, stating, “How can he pocket… for you, suspension. I have said suspension. You are pocketing here?”

UMA President, Prof. Frank Asiimwe, criticized the minister’s actions as an overreach of political authority and a departure from professional oversight. He emphasized that healthcare facilities are environments for serious medical interventions, not stages for “political posturing or roadside court-martials.”

The association highlighted that such summary actions violate Article 42 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair and objective treatment and the right to be heard. UMA also referenced Section (F-r) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders (2021) concerning disciplinary procedures, noting that political leaders are not empowered to unilaterally condemn civil servants.

Furthermore, UMA pointed out that the regulation of medical professional conduct falls under the purview of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, as stipulated by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Cap. 272), not impromptu ministerial decisions.

This incident has sparked a debate about due process in public service and the appropriate conduct during official visits to healthcare institutions.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)