Uganda Health Ministry Gives Striking Medical Interns One-Week Ultimatum

Uganda's Ministry of Health has issued a stern ultimatum to striking medical interns, ordering them to report to their designated training hospitals by August 14. Failure to comply means forfeiting their internship placements for the 2026/2027 year, escalating a standoff over alleged poor welfare and working conditions.

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Any intern who does not report to their designated internship training center on or before 14 August 2026 shall be deemed to have forfeited placement for the 2026/2027 internship year.

The Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI) has vowed to continue its boycott, which began on August 3, arguing that the government has neglected longstanding concerns. FUMI stated that the ministry is attempting to force interns back to work without clarifying facilitation and working conditions. The interns report being expected to work shifts exceeding 36 hours without essential support like accommodation, meals, transport, or airtime.

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The boycott of the medical internship that started on Monday, August 3, 2026, will continue as long as the government refuses to listen to our concerns.

FUMI accused the Ministry of Health of delaying action despite reported commitments from the Vice President and Prime Minister. A recent meeting with ministry officials reportedly failed to yield a resolution, with the ministry claiming the issues require a Cabinet decision. The federation emphasized that their grievances need to be addressed by higher authorities, not just the ministry.

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It was never about finding an agreement between medical interns and the Ministry of Health. It was about laying down our grievances for them to take to higher authorities.

The ongoing boycott has already disrupted service delivery in public hospitals. FUMI warned that the industrial action could expand to include Senior House Officers, medical students, and senior health professionals. They also threatened public demonstrations and social media campaigns to highlight the challenges within Uganda's health sector if the government fails to respond adequately.

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It is not in our best interest to stay home, but as long as the Ministry cannot commit to answering our genuine concerns, they should expect a bigger wave of laying down tools.