Court dismisses application blocking Gov't, doctors' negotiations  

The High Court has dismissed an application in which Labour unions sought to block government from negotiating with Uganda Medical Association (UMA) on the working conditions of health workers.

Today, the court registrar Sarah Langa ruled that negotiations between the health workers and government had already been concluded.

"This application has been overtaken by events since it was filed when the negotiations between government and UMA were already underway and some commitments had already been made. I therefore dismiss it," she ruled.

She advised the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) and Uganda Nurses and Midwives (UNM) to pursue the main suit, which will look into the legality of the actions of UMA president Dr Ebuku Ekwaro and Workers MP Dr. Sam Lyomoki.

The main application has been fixed for hearing on January 8, 2018. The labour unions were represented by Richard Rwaboogo.

According to the labour unions, it is illegal for Dr Ekwaro and MP Lyomoki to engage government in negotiations over the doctors' strike because they have no mandate to do so.

Earlier, State Attorney Jackline Amusugut, who represented the attorney general, maintained that UMA was not a registered trade union, and has no mandate to call for the doctors' strike.

"It is the principal of the state to take all necessary steps to involve people in consultations as a strategy to end the strike," she submitted.

Meanwhile, the lawyers representing UMA and Lyomoki, Shuaib Reayan Chemisto and David Kabanda said the grant of the application will not only affect UMA but the entire public which will continue without health services.