KAMPALA — Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has announced that he is preparing a Cabinet paper to review the government's decision to scrap medical interns' allowances, signalling a possible shift in a policy that has drawn criticism from Parliament, medical students and professional associations.
Baryomunsi made the announcement during Tuesday's plenary sitting while responding to a reminder by Kigulu South MP Andrew Kaluya, who sought an update on the unresolved matter affecting thousands of medical interns.
The minister acknowledged that although interns are still undergoing training, they also play a critical role in delivering healthcare services in public hospitals.
"Much as you are under training, you are providing a service," Baryomunsi said, prompting applause from Members of Parliament.
He, however, said he could not unilaterally reverse the policy because the decision to withdraw the allowances had been taken collectively by Cabinet.
Baryomunsi told Parliament that the matter had already been discussed by Cabinet and asked legislators to allow him time to formally present a review paper once it is scheduled on the Cabinet agenda.
"I request Parliament to be patient. Once Cabinet gives me the opportunity to present the paper and reaches a decision, I will return and brief this House," he said.
The announcement marks a notable shift in tone from the minister, who last month defended the policy after assuming office. At the time, Baryomunsi argued that the growing number of medical graduates had made the payment of internship allowances financially unsustainable and that Cabinet had resolved to treat internship as part of professional training rather than employment.
The controversy stems from the proposed National Health Education and Training Policy, under which medical interns would no longer receive the monthly government allowance of Shs1 million beginning in August 2026.
Instead, internship would be incorporated into the six-year medical training programme as a compulsory academic requirement before graduation, rather than a paid post-graduation placement.
The proposal sparked strong opposition from medical associations, students and legislators, who argued that interns perform essential clinical duties in regional referral and national hospitals, often working shifts lasting between 36 and 48 hours while providing frontline patient care.
The government first signalled a possible review of the policy in June when Vice President Jessica Alupo told Parliament that Cabinet was willing to reconsider the decision following concerns raised by legislators.
Baryomunsi's commitment to table a Cabinet paper is the clearest indication yet that the government is actively reconsidering the policy.
Cabinet's decision will determine whether the allowances are restored, revised or replaced with another form of financial support for future medical interns.
