The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has strongly condemned the arrest of eight Ugandan medical interns who were detained while protesting unpaid allowances and challenging working conditions.
The interns were apprehended on August 12, 2026, during a demonstration on Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala. Wearing white coats and holding placards, they demanded the payment of their monthly allowances, which were withdrawn under Uganda’s new National Education and Training for Health (NETH) policy. This policy categorizes internships as continued training rather than formal employment, leading to the suspension of stipends for many interns.
Charged with causing a common nuisance and accused of obstructing traffic, the interns denied the allegations in Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court before being remanded to Luzira Prison. Their lawyer argued for bail, citing their public service role, but the prosecution requested more time to respond. The case was adjourned to August 17.
Concerns Over Intern Welfare
The affected interns have raised serious issues regarding their ability to cover basic living expenses such as food, accommodation, and transport, especially when assigned to remote health facilities. Additional concerns include inadequate protective equipment, insufficient post-exposure care, and outstanding payments.
Ugandan Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi has urged all interns to resume their duties by August 15, warning that failure to report could result in losing their placements. The government maintains that the NETH policy reforms are intended to improve health professional training and that ongoing consultations are addressing the interns’ concerns.
KMPDU’s Response and Regional Context
KMPDU criticized the use of arrests and criminal charges against healthcare workers advocating for better conditions, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained interns. The union highlighted that challenges such as delayed deployment, unpaid stipends, and harsh working environments are widespread among young medical professionals across East Africa.
In Kenya, the welfare of young doctors remains a pressing issue. On July 1, over 6,000 medical interns commenced their mandatory one-year internship following a Ministry of Health and KMPDU agreement to recruit 2,000 additional doctors. These measures aim to alleviate staffing shortages and reduce heavy workloads in public hospitals.
The situation in Uganda and Kenya underscores ongoing regional discussions about the treatment, employment terms, and welfare of medical interns and junior doctors.
