Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 590
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has condemned the arrest and detention of eight medical interns who were remanded to Luzira Prison after staging a protest along Parliamentary Avenue on August 12, 2026.
The interns, dressed in white coats and carrying placards, were charged with public nuisance for blocking traffic while demanding payment of their Shs4 million monthly allowances, deployment guarantees, and withdrawal of the contested National Education and Training for Health (NETH) policy. UMA described their arrest as an injustice and weaponization of the judiciary against young professionals raising legitimate welfare concerns.
The detained interns have vowed not to report for duty until government addresses their grievances. Their demands include:
• Immediate payment of Shs4 million monthly allowances.
• Clear deployment guarantees for all graduates.
• Comprehensive review and withdrawal of the NETH policy.
In a strongly worded statement, UMA urged the Ministry of Health, the judiciary, and cabinet to issue clarifications, end intimidation, and resolve the standoff through policy dialogue rather than punitive measures.
The association has issued a 14-day ultimatum, warning that failure to release the interns and address their demands will trigger a nationwide doctors’ strike, though emergency services will be maintained.