Medical interns, under their umbrella, the Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI), want sh31b allocated in the budget for the next financial year (2024/25) in order to cater for their allowances.

They say the ongoing budgeting process should consider the forthcoming medical interns after the current cohort so as to avoid future challenges. 

Addressing the media at Mulago Hospital Guest House, FUMI president Dr Bill Adrati, said the other cohort of interns was yet to graduate and therefore expressed concern over the possible lack of funds to pay for their allowances. This, he explained, would cause financial inconveniences if not planned early. 

Federation for Uganda Medical Interns President Dr.Bill Adrati (left) flanked by Dr.Rama Musiho, Intern Site leader Mulago during a presser at Mulago hospital guest house on Wednesday 24th January 2024. Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

“We think it is better to plan now so as to avoid future disturbances. We are aware that the budgeting process is still on, and therefore we need resources available,” Adrati said. 

He also asked the government to work out means of reinstating the 2021 presidential directive of paying medical interns a sh3m salary so as to help them support their livelihoods. 

His plea follows the presidential directive instructing the enhancement of salary for medical interns. This was however followed by a press release from the health ministry directing the interns be paid sh1m instead. 

“We wonder if the President is aware of this. We want the government to pronounce themselves boldly and clearly,” Adrati said. 

Govt speaks out 

Responding to the same issue, Emmanuel Ainebyona, the ministry of health spokesperson, said interns should acknowledge that the Government has a small resource envelope and that they should appreciate the little they are able to get. 

He explained that nobody would have bad intentions against them, but said that there were not enough funds. 

“We sometimes delay to pay even the little they get, and I think it should be clear that we don’t have enough funds,” Ainebyona said.

He further explained that the deduction in the allowances for medics especially those undergoing intern was reached on following the consultations with the President, but hinged the cause on limited funds. 

“We reduced the allowances because we were directed so. The president said that the resource envelope was limited making it hard for it to maintain the pay,” he said. 

Ainebyona however urged the interns to concentrate and complete their internship so as to pave the way for those yet to graduate. 

He said that the interns ought not to engage in acts of violence arguing that the available time should be spent on more productive areas.

“I think they should concentrate and graduate to another level; it is improper to waste time fighting for non-issues,” he said.