Kampala, Uganda: Government has signaled a possible reversal of its controversial decision to scrap allowances for medical interns following mounting pressure from Parliament and concerns over the future of healthcare service delivery in public hospitals.
Vice President Jessica Alupo told Parliament on Wednesday that Cabinet will review the proposed policy that seeks to stop monthly facilitation for medical interns beginning August 2026.
Speaking during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, Alupo assured legislators that government was open to reconsidering the proposal. “The policies of government and their purpose are for the people. We can definitely review this policy,” Alupo said.
She revealed that Cabinet is expected to deliberate on the proposed Medical Education and Internship Policy before the Minister of Health presents a formal statement to Parliament.
Her remarks came after the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, raised concerns on the floor of Parliament over reports that government intends to discontinue payments to medical interns under a new Medical Education and Internship Policy.
Ssenyonyi had earlier warned that withdrawing allowances from medical interns could have serious consequences for Uganda’s already strained healthcare system.
The Nakawa West legislator noted that interns play a critical role in government hospitals and health centres, often working long and exhausting shifts to keep health facilities operational.
“Sometimes they work 36 hours, other times they work 48 hours non-stop to take care of the people of Uganda. Government has historically facilitated them to do this work,” Ssenyonyi said.
He questioned how interns would be expected to sustain themselves if allowances were withdrawn while they continue to provide essential services. “How will they facilitate themselves and still be expected to report for duty every day?” he asked.
Ssenyonyi urged government to identify alternative funding sources rather than withdrawing support from young medical professionals.
“Government recently suspended public holiday functions to save money. We had already passed that entire budget. Government, let us find this money so that we can pay medical interns,” he added.
Inside the New Medical Interns Policy
Under the proposed Medical Education and Internship Policy announced recently by government, medical internship would be integrated into the formal university education system.
As a result, interns would no longer receive the monthly allowances traditionally paid by government during their internship placement.
The policy is expected to take effect in August 2026 if approved.
The move had generated widespread debate among medical professionals, students and healthcare stakeholders who argue that interns provide critical labour in public health facilities and should continue receiving facilitation.
But the Vice President’s commitment to review the policy has now offered hope to thousands of medical students and interns who had feared losing their only source of financial support during placement.
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