Govt deploys over 2,000 medical interns to hospitals
By Skika Reporter.
The Ministry of Health has deployed 2,417 medical interns to health facilities across Uganda, paving the way for their long-awaited internship placements starting next month.
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, according to a notice issued to hospital leaders by Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, on behalf of the Director General of Health Services.
Dr Kyabayinze said the placements cover all eligible medical interns submitted by the respective professional councils.
“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,” the notice stated.
The interns are graduates from several universities, including Makerere University, Kampala International University, Gulu University, Busitema University, Soroti University, Lira University, and 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.
Hospital leaders were directed to make preparations to ensure the internship programme begins on schedule. They were also instructed to conduct facility-level induction and orientation for all interns before they start clinical duties.
The Ministry further asked hospitals to submit lists of interns who have reported to their stations by August 14, 2026.
“All placed interns are required to report to their respective stations on August 3, 2026,” Dr Kyabayinze said.
Medical interns play a critical role in Uganda’s healthcare system, with the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) noting that they help strengthen service delivery amid shortages of government-employed health workers.
Medical interns are graduates who have completed their medical degree programmes and undergo supervised internship training before qualifying for a permanent practising licence.
The latest deployment comes amid ongoing concerns over changes in government policy regarding the payment of allowances for medical interns, an issue that has previously affected the timing and continuity of internship placements.
