The State House Anti-corruption Unit is currently conducting investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption in the deployment of medical interns in Uganda. The investigation is centered around concerns of extortion and unethical behavior by some officials within the Ministry of Health.
Seven medical interns, currently stationed at Mulago, Arua, St. Kizito Hospital Matany, Fort Portal, Nsambya, Mbale, and Kiruddu hospitals, were summoned for interrogation on Thursday. The State House Anti-corruption Unit is seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the deployment process and gather information on alleged corrupt practices.
The investigation comes at a time when concerns about corruption and influence peddling in the medical intern deployment process have been on the rise. Dr. Bill Adrati, the President of the Federation of Uganda Medical Interns, highlighted the heightened concerns and stated that the recent deployment, following protests and delays, seemed to disproportionately affect those who were at the forefront of the push for a smoother process.
Adrati, currently interning at Anaka Hospital in Nwoya district, questioned the transparency of the deployment process and emphasized the need for clarity on the criteria used. He raised concerns about the seemingly punitive nature of the recent deployment, especially for those who were actively involved in advocating for improvements.
Dr. Herbert Luswata, the President of the Uganda Medical Association, sought clarity from the Ministry of Health regarding whether the summoned interns were considered suspects in the alleged extortion case. The ministry has yet to provide an official response.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Ministry of Health have been met with delays. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Senior Public Relations Officer, stated that he needed to make consultations before offering the ministry’s position.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, questions have been raised about the facilitation of medical interns. Dr. Adrati mentioned attempts to inquire about the facilitation directly from top officials in the Ministry of Health, including the Director General of Health Services and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, with no response.
