President Museveni orders crackdown on substandard medical training
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to honouring his pledge of Sh125 billion to support the doctors' Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO).
The President also announced that medical doctors and other health practitioners would enjoy tax-free salaries, similar to members of the armed forces and other security agencies, in a move aimed at attracting more medical professionals into the military. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
SOROTI - President Yoweri Museveni has directed authorities to stop individuals and institutions that have turned medical education into a commercial venture, warning that the practice threatens the quality of healthcare in Uganda.
Museveni issued the directive on Friday, November 13, 2026, while presiding over the closing ceremony of the 10th annual general meeting of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) at Soroti University.
The directive followed concerns raised by UMA president Prof. Frank Asiimwe, who warned that allowing individuals to establish medical training institutions purely for profit could undermine standards in the health sector
In his address, Asiimwe cautioned against what he described as the unchecked proliferation of substandard medical training institutions.
UMA president Frank Asiimwe receiving Vice-President Jessica Alupo who also graced the event. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
He emphasised the need for strict admission standards, minimum requirements for lecturers and adequate lecture facilities to ensure that medical institutions produce competent professionals capable of providing quality healthcare.
Asiimwe expressed concern that the mushrooming of substandard training institutions could compromise the quality of medical personnel produced in the country and ultimately undermine healthcare delivery.
In response, the President backed the association's concerns and directed that the practice be stopped.
“People who are making medical training into a business must stop. They must be stopped,” Museveni said.
Some of the medical doctors who attended the meeting. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
“I have already agreed to the tax waiver because we don't tax policemen, prisons and the army. Why should we tax doctors? Let them remain with their little money,” Museveni said, drawing applause from the medical fraternity.
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to honouring his pledge of Sh125 billion to support the doctors' Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO).
He said the funds would enable doctors wishing to establish private clinics to access affordable loans at the lowest possible interest rates.
However, he cautioned government-employed doctors against operating private clinics while simultaneously serving in public health facilities, saying they should concentrate on their official duties once the SACCO becomes operational
Meanwhile, Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who attended the function, said countries such as India and Russia were willing to support Uganda's medical fraternity by providing expertise to strengthen the country's healthcare system.