The Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has pleaded with doctors who laid down their tools more than two weeks ago, to go back to work.

In a message read for him by the Kampala minister, Beti Kamya, during the requiem mass for the late Dr Lawrence Kaggwa, the former executive director of Mulago, Rugunda said the strike had crippled the country’s health services.

“I would also like to urge the doctors on strike at this challenging time in our country to go back and work. Their issues will be handled by the, government,” Rugunda said.

A team of government officials met the striking doctors on Wednesday to try to find an end to the strike but the meeting ended in a stalemate as both parties traded accusations.

Kaggwa died last week from heart related complications at the Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago.

The requiem mass at Rubaga Cathedral was led by Monsignor Charles Kasibante who represented the Arch Bishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Kasibante encouraged mourners to work hard and help others as the late Dr Kaggwa.

Kaggwa was eulogised as one of the best executive directors of Mulago hospital who worked tirelessly to improve its sanitation and hygiene.

Kaggwa is survived by his wife Jocelyn Kaggwa and 12 children.