The government has restored allowances for medical interns following protests over changes to their remuneration and internship arrangements.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi told Parliament that all current medical interns will receive a gross monthly allowance of UGX 1,268,929, translating to approximately UGX 1 million after tax. The payment will apply equally to government- and privately sponsored interns.
Government has also dropped a proposed policy that would have required students to complete internship before graduation, allowing them to graduate first as was previously the case.
The Uganda Medical Association welcomed the decision and urged interns to resume reporting to their respective training sites.
Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi described the restoration as a first step toward improving medical workers’ pay amid the rising cost of living.
Cabinet has meanwhile tasked the Ministry of Health with developing a long-term policy to address Uganda’s health workforce and remuneration challenges.
