President Yoweri Museveni has pledged support for a proposed Shs125 billion fund intended to help health workers finance further professional training and establish businesses, as government faces renewed calls to address the welfare and career development of medical personnel.
Museveni made the commitment on October 9, 2026, during a meeting with medical interns and leaders of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) at State House, Entebbe.
The association, led by its president, Dr Frank Asiimwe, presented concerns affecting medical professionals, including access to further training, internship allowances, career progression and working conditions.
The proposed fund would allow health workers to borrow money to upgrade their qualifications or pursue other income-generating opportunities.
Museveni described the proposal as a one-time intervention rather than a recurring government expenditure, saying he supported the idea.
He also said doctors seeking further specialisation through private institutions could use the proposed financing, while government would continue supporting specialisations it considers priorities.
Internship and graduation concerns
The meeting also addressed the relationship between medical school graduation and internship requirements.
Museveni criticised the policy requiring medical graduates to complete their internship before graduating, arguing that the two processes should be treated separately.
He said the arrangement had been a mistake and needed to be corrected.
Medical internship arrangements have remained a concern for health workers, particularly regarding allowances and the status of interns who provide services in health facilities while completing their professional training.
During the meeting, Asiimwe said approximately 300 interns had not received their allowances. He also raised concerns about the reduction of the monthly allowance from Shs2.5 million to Shs1 million.
The association called for improvements in the welfare of interns, residents and fellows, arguing that their work is essential to healthcare delivery.
Doctors seek better career progression
Asiimwe also proposed the creation of additional professional cadres, including Chief Consultant, Principal Consultant and Senior Consultant, to strengthen career progression for doctors.
He called for recognition of medical professionals working in both public and private health facilities and urged government to increase staffing levels in referral hospitals to 75 per cent by the next general election.
The association also proposed regional medical hubs with capacities of between 50 and 100 beds to support mentorship and practical training for young doctors.
Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwiine said the ministry works within the resources allocated to it and disburses funds to institutions responsible for training interns.
She said consultations on the outstanding issues were ongoing and that the ministry was preparing a paper for Cabinet consideration.
Funding proposal awaits implementation details
Although Museveni has expressed support for the Shs125 billion proposal, details concerning its financing arrangements, administration, eligibility requirements and implementation timetable remain important questions for the relevant authorities.
The proposal could provide an additional financing route for health workers seeking further training or business opportunities if the necessary arrangements are approved and put in place.
The discussions also highlight wider concerns about the welfare of medical interns, professional development and the need to retain skilled health workers.
The next steps will depend on how government and the relevant health-sector institutions translate the commitments and proposals discussed at State House into practical measures.