Medical Interns, through their association Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI), have threatened to lay down their tools, if their allowances are not increased, as per President Museveni’s directive.

President Museveni in August 2021 directed the Prime Minister and the ministries of Health, Finance, and Public Service to increase the monthly allowance for intern doctors from Shs 750, 000 to Shs 2,5 million, a thing that has not been implemented to date.

FUMI President Bill Adrati said during a press conference on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, that they had made efforts to discuss reinstating the presidential directive, but they were not helped by the concerned authorities.

“We have made a lot of efforts through formal and informal avenues to have a discussion on reinstating the presidential directive, but all this has been faced with disinterest and aloofness from the Ministry of Health and other authorities,” he said.

Adrati added that they will start a sit-down strike on February 1, 2024, following the failure of the Ministry of Health to implement President Museveni’s directive.

“The 4th general assembly of medical interns was convened on Wednesday, 17 January 2024, and resolved therein to indulge in an industrial action through total withdrawal of services, effective 00:00 hours EAT on 1st February 2024,” he said.

He added: “There is a breach of a presidential directive under unclear circumstances, which not only amounts to an illegality but also grossly compromises the welfare needs of medical interns in the line of national duty.”

FUMI president said they do not buy into the idea that there is no money to increase their allowances because even the ‘little’ that is available is not used appropriately.