The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged mistreatment of medical interns in Uganda. The union has called for the immediate release of the detained interns and urged the Ugandan government to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the ongoing internship crisis.

In a statement released on August 16, 2026, KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Bhimji Atellah expressed solidarity with the Ugandan medical interns who have been demanding improved working conditions and respect for their rights.

Key points from KMPDU's statement include:

  • Support for Ugandan medical interns facing intimidation and arrest for advocating fair treatment.
  • Call for the immediate release of all detained healthcare workers.
  • Demand for constructive discussions between the government and interns to resolve the crisis.
  • Recognition of the vital role medical interns play in East Africa's healthcare delivery despite challenges such as unpaid stipends, delayed deployment, and heavy workloads.
  • Assertion that peacefully demanding better working conditions is a legitimate labour right, not a criminal act.

The dispute in Uganda stems from a government policy change announced earlier in 2026, which ended monthly allowances for medical interns starting August. This move is part of efforts to integrate internships into formal university education but has raised concerns about the welfare and deployment of interns.

Uganda’s Parliament has indicated it will review the policy following widespread criticism from health workers and representatives who warn that the removal of allowances could negatively impact healthcare services.

Despite the challenges, Uganda’s Ministry of Health recently confirmed the placement of 2,417 medical interns across health facilities for the internship year running from August 3, 2026, to July 31, 2027.

KMPDU also called for regional cooperation among medical associations, emphasizing that internship-related issues affect healthcare workers throughout East Africa. The union urged an end to violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests of health professionals advocating for their rights.

"There can be no sustainable healthcare system where medical professionals are silenced through fear, force and detention," the union stated, aligning itself with the Uganda Medical Association and other health groups pressing for reforms.