Museveni Pledges Support for Medical Workers, Internship Policy Reforms

[Eronda]

President Yoweri Museveni has pledged government support to Uganda’s medical professionals, including backing the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO), reviewing internship graduation requirements, and considering tax relief measures for health workers.

The President made the commitments during a meeting with medical interns and leaders of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), led by its President, Dr. Frank Asiimwe, at State House Entebbe.

Museveni said strengthening the UMA SACCO would enable health workers to access affordable credit, improve their professional skills, and create opportunities for self-employment, thereby enhancing their welfare and contribution to the health sector.

“I committed to supporting the UMA SACCO to enable health workers to access affordable credit, upgrade their skills and create opportunities to employ themselves. This is a practical way of empowering our medical professionals,” the President said.

In a major policy directive, Museveni also called for the correction of a requirement that compels medical students to complete internship before graduation. He argued that graduation and internship, commonly referred to as housemanship, are separate processes that should not be unnecessarily linked.

“I directed that the policy requiring medical students to complete internship before graduating be corrected. Graduation and housemanship are separate processes, and we should not waste time by mixing the two,” he noted.

The issue of interns’ allowances, which has been a long-standing concern among medical workers, was also discussed during the meeting. The President said consultations would continue to find a solution while ensuring that any decisions taken remain financially sustainable for the government.

“On interns’ allowances, we shall continue consultations while ensuring that our decisions are guided by affordability and sustainability,” Museveni said.

The President further expressed support for proposals aimed at improving the welfare of health workers, including tax relief measures and better access to essential life-supporting items.

The commitments come amid growing calls from healthcare professionals for improved working conditions, better remuneration, and reforms within the medical training system.