Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has acknowledged mounting pressure over the controversial scrapping of medical interns’ allowances, telling Parliament that while the concerns are valid, he lacks unilateral authority to reverse the Cabinet decision.
Addressing legislators on Tuesday, July 14, Baryomunsi struck a cautious tone, balancing government policy with growing public and professional backlash from the health sector.
“The concerns are genuine; because of the medical internship, much as you are in training, you are also providing a service,” he told the House.
The minister’s remarks come amid nationwide discontent following a Cabinet resolution to remove monthly stipends for medical interns under new health training reforms.
The policy reclassifies interns as students rather than employees, effectively eliminating their eligibility for government allowances.
Baryomunsi conceded that the dual role of interns—both as trainees and frontline service providers—raises legitimate questions about fairness and sustainability within the health system.
“I want to request Parliament to be patient; I can’t single-handedly reverse that Cabinet decision,” he added.
His statement signals internal constraints within government, indicating that any reconsideration of the policy must go through formal Cabinet processes rather than individual ministerial action.
The minister, however, left the door open for possible review, suggesting that discussions could resume once Cabinet provides formal direction.
“Once the Cabinet puts me on paper, I will discuss this matter and revert,” he said.
The allowance cut has drawn sharp criticism from medical associations and health workers, who argue that interns play a critical role in delivering healthcare services, particularly in understaffed public facilities.
Critics warn that removing financial support could demoralise young doctors, disrupt training, and worsen staffing shortages.
Government, on the other hand, maintains that the reforms are necessary to manage rising numbers of medical graduates and align internship training with academic frameworks.
The issue has since escalated into a broader policy debate, with lawmakers pushing for clarity on how the government intends to balance cost-cutting measures with the operational realities of Uganda’s healthcare system.