Over 2,000 staff doctors are set to benefit from a mass recruitment in different national, specialized, and regional referral hospitals across the country.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Health Service Commission (HSC), aims to fill critical vacancies and improve healthcare delivery for millions of Ugandans, particularly in the rural areas.
Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng during a press briefing at the ministry headquarters in Kampala on 2nd September, 2025 said that this recruitment will bring in qualified medical officers, specialists, and general practitioners to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and emergency care.
“For too long, our referral hospitals have operated at half capacity, with doctor to patient ratios that fall far short of international standards, we are committed to a healthier Uganda where no one is left behind,” Dr Aceng said.
The announcement comes after recent government efforts to lift recruitment bans imposed during fiscal constraints. In February 2024, the Ministry of Public Service authorized the hiring of critical staff in referral facilities, followed by a June 2024 approval for 1,200 health workers, including doctors and nurses.
The latest drive targets an additional 2,000 doctors, with applications opening next week through the HSC portal.
Successful candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, including interviews and medical board verification, with deployments expected to begin by early 2026. According to a 2024 report from the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), doctor positions in referral hospitals are filled at only 42% on average, with some facilities operating at as low as 21% capacity. This has led to overburdened staff, prolonged wait times, and higher mortality rates, especially in maternal and neonatal care.
Dr Richard Luswata, president of the UMA, hailed the initiative as long overdue but urged swift action.
“We commend the government’s responsiveness, but we must ensure promotions for existing staff and fair allowances for interns to prevent brain drain,” Dr Luswata said.
However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including strikes by junior health officers over unpaid stipends, which have disrupted services at facilities like Mulago National Referral Hospital and Kawempe National Referral Hospital.
Critics, however, point to systemic issues that could undermine the effort. Opposition lawmakers have called for greater transparency in the hiring process to avoid nepotism, while civil society groups like the Health Workers Network emphasized the need for rural incentives to retain doctors in remote postings.
As Uganda continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Ebola threats, the move signals renewed optimism for its health sector. With 61 training institutions producing thousands of graduates annually, the influx of 2,000 doctors could reduce the national doctor to population ratio.
The recruitment is part of a broader strategy under Uganda’s National Development Plan III, which allocates increased funding for human resources in health. The Ministry of Health has partnered with training institutions, including Makerere University and other medical colleges, to fast track certifications for applicants. Incentives for recruits include competitive salaries starting at UGX 5 million per month for entry level positions, housing allowances, and opportunities for postgraduate specialization.
The ministry encourages eligible Ugandan doctors, both locally trained and those in the diaspora, to apply and contribute to building a resilient health system.
