The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has raised serious concern over the ongoing standoff between the government and 2,417 medical interns deployed for the 2026/2027 internship period, warning that the dispute could undermine the stability and quality of Uganda’s health system.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at Uganda House, the Party Spokesperson, Sharon Arach Oyat said the newly introduced National Education and Training for Health (NETH) Policy shifts critical costs onto interns by requiring them to provide their own accommodation, meals, transport, and professional gear during their 12-month placement in public hospitals.
“This is not planning. That is abdication of responsibility,” Oyat said.
She noted that the Ministry of Health deployed interns without making adequate provisions for their welfare, despite admitting to Parliament in 2024 that an additional UGX 18 billion was required.
The spokesperson said the new arrangement breaks with previous practice, under which government catered for these necessities and paid monthly internship allowances. She added that it also undermines the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which provided for enhanced allowances and better welfare for health workers.
Oyat pointed to the heavy financial burden already shouldered by parents, many of whom borrowed money or sold property to finance five years of medical school. She noted that requiring families to meet additional internship costs is unfair and unsustainable and could leave some interns unable to complete their training.
Recognizing medical interns as the backbone of frontline healthcare in most government hospitals, Oyat said they help fill critical staffing gaps, manage wards, respond to emergencies, and provide direct patient care, often under difficult working conditions and without adequate protective equipment.
“A well-supported intern means a stronger health system. A neglected intern means a compromised future for healthcare in Uganda,” Oyat noted.
UPC called on the government to immediately suspend NETH Policy provisions that withdraw support, suspend the August 15th, 2026, reporting deadline, honor the Collective Bargaining Agreement by restoring facilitation, and urgently engage in dialogue with the Uganda Medical Association, affected interns, and other stakeholders.
