MP Gorreth Namugga questioned why the government failed to support intern doctors financially, despite allocating significant funds to companies in the new budget.
This controversy comes as police blocked medical interns from marching to Parliament to protest their delayed deployment.
Protest and Government Response
On Tuesday, police prevented medical interns from various universities from reaching Parliament to submit their petition to Speaker Anita Among or Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
The government had announced random placements for interns across 73 centers from August 5, 2024, to July 31, 2025, but many interns were left without placements.
Alex Lwesabula, an intern, expressed frustration over unproductive dialogues with stakeholders, leading them to seek a supplementary budget of Shs18.7 billion for their deployment and allowances.
Security personnel at Parliament advised the interns to explore alternative protest methods. Intern Joseph Odon Socrates highlighted their failed attempts to gain permission to attend parliamentary sessions.
Calls for Action and Parliament’s Stance
Intern Ezekiel Ssekyondwa emphasized that their peaceful protest aimed to engage with their representatives.
Dr. Joel Mirembe from the Uganda Medical Association revealed that only 1,263 out of 2,470 interns received placements from the Ministry of Health.
During the parliamentary session, some MPs, including Deputy Speaker Tayebwa, questioned whether interns could work without allowances.
Tayebwa argued that the interns are ready to fulfill their educational requirements but need the government’s support to do so.
Attorney General Kiwanuka Kiryowa suggested exploring alternative funding methods, emphasizing the need to meet the Shs18 billion required for intern deployment.
Government Funding Priorities Questioned
MP Gorreth Namugga criticized the government for prioritizing large budget allocations to Roko Construction Company (Shs300 billion) and Dei Pharmaceutical (Shs500 billion) while neglecting intern doctors.
She called for reallocating funds from the classified budget under the State House and Office of the President to address the Shs18 billion needed for interns.
State Minister of Health Anifa Kawooya requested time to present a strategic plan to Parliament to resolve the medical internship issue comprehensively.