The Ministry of Health has deployed 2,417 medical interns to health facilities across the country, paving the way for their long-awaited placements starting this August.
“The Uganda Medical Internship Committee (UMIC) Secretariat has completed the placement of medical interns for the internship period running from August 3, 2026, to July 31, 2027,” reads the notice to hospital leaders, undersigned by Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health, on behalf of the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry.
Dr Kyabayinze said the placement covers all eligible medical interns submitted by the respective professional councils.
The medical interns are from Makerere University, Kampala International University, Gulu University, Busitema University, Soroti University, Lira University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, among others.
“Accordingly, this letter forwards the list of medical interns placed at your respective hospitals for your information and necessary action,” Dr Kyabayinze stated.
The Ministry gave hospital leaders three instructions.
“Make the necessary arrangements to ensure the internship programme commences on time,” Dr Kyabayinze told the hospital leaders.
“Conduct a facility-level induction and orientation for all medical interns before they begin clinical duties,” he added.
The Ministry also asked them to submit the list of interns who have reported to their hospitals by August 14, 2026.
“All placed interns are required to report to their respective stations on August 3, 2026,” Dr Kyabayinze stated.
Information from the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) indicates that medical interns are essential to the country’s healthcare delivery, given the limited number of medical workers employed by the government.
Medical interns are graduates who have completed their medical degree programmes and undergo internship placements to qualify for a permanent practising licence, according to UMA.
The deployment also comes amid concerns over changes in government policy regarding the payment of allowances to medical interns in the country.