MPs have questioned the government over the poor remuneration and welfare of medical interns, saying they are overworked and underpaid despite playing a critical role in healthcare delivery.
The concerns were raised during a meeting of the parliamentary health committee, where the minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, presented the ministry’s policy statement for the 2026/27 financial year.
Dr Christine Ndiwalana, the MP for Bukomansimbi North, urged the minister to prioritise the welfare of interns, describing them as key contributors to service delivery in health facilities.
She said the committee appreciated the ministry’s work but stressed that interns deserved better pay and working conditions given the services they provide.
The matter was triggered by a letter from medical interns to the committee, requesting parliament to raise their concerns with the minister.
The letter was supported by Dr George Didi Bhoka, the MP for Obongi county, and committee chairperson Dr Joseph Ruyonga, the MP for Hoima West, who read it to the minister.
In the letter, interns complained of heavy workloads without pay, long working hours, inadequate medical supplies and delays in recruitment despite completing their training.
They also raised concerns about a government policy that restricts graduation before internship, which they said complicates their transition into the workforce.
In response, Aceng said the government had allocated funds in the next financial year to improve the welfare and remuneration of medical interns, particularly in regional referral hospitals.
She, however, expressed concern about the quality of some graduates, noting that medical schools and teaching hospitals must ensure proper training standards.
Aceng said some interns had repeatedly failed assessments, warning that poor training posed a risk to patients.
The minister also revealed plans to establish general hospitals in all five divisions of Kampala, including Kawempe, Makindye, Central, Nakawa and Lubaga, to reduce congestion at Mulago and Kiruddu hospitals.
She outlined several funding gaps in the health sector, including Shs 756 billion for wages, Shs 11.9 billion for medical equipment and Shs 70 billion for health infrastructure.
Other priorities include Shs 7.6 billion to equip completed health facilities and Shs 50 billion to upgrade selected facilities in Kampala to city hospitals.
These include Kisenyi Health Centre IV in Central division, Kiswa Health Centre III in Nakawa, Kawala Health Centre IV in Lubaga, Komamboga Health Centre III in Kawempe and Kisugu Health Centre III in Makindye.
MPs also raised concerns about encroachment on hospital land, warning that it could undermine service delivery if not addressed.
