The leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) has highlighted a significant irony within Uganda's medical community.
Despite widespread concerns over the government's handling of healthcare, Muntu says many doctors continue to support the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
These remarks come in the midst of ongoing protests by medical interns over delayed deployment and widespread debates about the state of Uganda's healthcare system, which has faced criticism for chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate support for healthcare workers.
Recently, President Museveni stated that his government does not have sufficient funds to pay medical interns. He proposed that those who sponsor medical students during their education should also support them during their internships.
"Who pays for the internship? Some people are saying that the government must pay, but I think that is risky because the government would pay if it had money, but it doesn't have enough since it has a lot of other things to do like roads, security, etc. I don't think it is okay to tie the future of our young doctors to government funding because it may delay or it may not be there," Museveni said.
Muntu highlighted the irony, noting, "What is amazing though is that a significant number of doctors subscribe to the NRM—about 50 doctors vied for MP positions in the NRM primaries. How ironic."
Muntu also expressed skepticism about the NRM's commitment to improving the healthcare sector.
"Truth be told, no one can care for doctors and healthcare workers unless they first care for the people's health," Muntu stated, emphasizing that genuine care for healthcare professionals must be rooted in a broader commitment to public health. He questioned the sincerity of the government's efforts in this regard.
Former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye also issued a sharp critique of the Ugandan government's spending priorities, alleging gross misallocation of resources at the expense of essential services.
Dr. Besigye claimed that President Museveni's official residence, State House, consumes a staggering Shs 2 billion daily, a figure he argues exemplifies the government's skewed priorities.
"As Mr. M7’s home consumes Shs 2bn daily; Governance and ‘Security’ consumes about a quarter of Uganda's budget; most essential services on which people’s lives (and survival of Uganda) depend are totally marginalized," Besigye said.
He drew a stark comparison between the amount allocated to State House and the funds needed by medical interns across the country, which he stated would require Shs 18 billion annually an amount equivalent to just nine days of State House expenditure.
"A revolution is needed for our survival," Besigye declared, signaling a call to action for those discontented with the current administration.
