New Medical Arbitration Board sworn in

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Work officially begins for the newly-appointed four-member Medical Arbitration Board after being sworn in on Tuesday (March 31).

Youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara officiated the ceremony, which took place at the head office of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Kampala.

The new board, which was appointed on January 19, is mandated to handle disputes between employers and employees arising from medical assessments related to occupational accidents and diseases.

The team comprises; 

▪️Dr Moses Chesro, associate consultant in orthopaedics at Mulago National Referral Hospital

▪️Dr Jane Nakibuka, senior consultant physician in the General Intensive Care Unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital

▪️Dr Emmanuel Adupa, senior physician in obstetrics and gynaecology

▪️Apollo Onzoma, assistant commissioner for industrial relations at the gender ministry, who will serve as secretary

Collectively, they are expected to improve dispute resolution, access to medical care and compensation for workers affected by workplace injuries and occupational diseases.

According to Section 13 (4) of the Workers’ Compensation Act Cap.233, the minister appoints the board in consultation with the Director General of Health Services to arbitrate such disputes.

The law also provides for compensation to workers who suffer injuries or contract diseases while at work, and places responsibility on employers to cover medical expenses and provide permanent disability benefits to affected employees.

On his part, minister Barugahara urged Ugandans to embrace hard work and patriotism, especially when supporting workers who suffer injuries or fall ill in the course of their duties.

He emphasised the importance of fairness, efficiency and professionalism in executing the board’s duties, noting that its work is critical in ensuring justice and timely support for injured workers.