Ban on Medical Workers' Side Jobs Is Unwarranted

Daftar Isi

The Role of Senior Medical Professionals in Uganda

For a long time, Uganda has been home to some of the most dedicated and skilled senior doctors. Names like Prof. Ndugwa, Kyalwazi, Ssezi, Kakande, Freers, Nzarubaras, Kiryas, and Zirembuzi come to mind. These individuals, many of whom have passed away, and others who are still with us, were known for their unwavering commitment to patient care. They would often return to the hospital at any time of the day or night to check on critically ill patients admitted under their care.

This behavior was not just a professional obligation but also driven by a deep sense of responsibility and the cultural concept of "Obuntu" — which emphasizes humanity and compassion. These senior doctors were not only treating complex cases but also mentoring junior staff, conducting research, and advising on the management of healthcare institutions and government policies.

Their work schedules were far from the typical 8-hour shifts. They were always available, ready to assist when needed, even during holidays like Christmas or Idd. Their expertise extended across various medical disciplines, including Radiology, Haematology, and Cancerology, among others.

Concerns Over Banning Medical Workers from Private Facilities

The recent article titled "Medical Workers Banned from Private Facilities," published in the New Vision on November 7, 2025, page 5, raised significant concerns. As a senior doctor and a Ugandan, I believe that such a ban may be difficult to implement and monitor effectively.

Every health worker in Uganda is likely to be a patient in one of the country's hospitals. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that no health worker is absent from their assigned duty station without valid reasons. This applies to everyone, from porters who transport patients to the mortuary to senior doctors.

According to the draft Health Service Standing Orders, health workers are prohibited from engaging in any financial or business dealings that could interfere with their duties. Specifically, they are not allowed to own or manage private health facilities, nor can they serve as officers, managers, or employees in such establishments. Violations could lead to termination.

A Critical Perspective on the Proposed Measures

In my opinion, this proposal resembles a form of enslavement of the medical profession. It limits professionals to two options: either remain in public service and pretend to comply with the rules while potentially compromising patient care, or resign and leave behind a critical shortage of experienced medical personnel in public health facilities.

This is not the first time such measures have been implemented. Doctors like the late Bamundaga, Mivule, Dr. Ndugwa (Sr.), and the Rt. Hon. Dr. Kisseka resigned from public service in the late 1950s after similar orders from the colonial government. More recently, young consultants have left Mulago Hospital due to similar restrictive policies.

In medicine, treatment begins with a thorough history, examination, investigation, diagnosis, and prescription. Similarly, before implementing such strict measures, it is crucial to understand why health workers might be absent from their posts despite recent salary increases.

Comparing Professional Rights Across Sectors

It is ironic that other professionals, such as agricultural officers, engineers, and veterinary doctors, are allowed to own and run businesses without restrictions. For example, an agricultural officer can manage a farm, an engineer can operate a garage or construction company, and a veterinary doctor can run an animal farm. Even members of parliament are permitted to engage in private business as long as they fulfill their parliamentary duties.

Lawyers, too, can run clinics as long as their legal obligations are met. This raises questions about the fairness and consistency of the proposed restrictions on medical professionals.

Recommendations for a Balanced Approach

Instead of imposing strict bans, I recommend that the proposed standing orders be paused. A more effective approach would involve investigating the underlying reasons for the absenteeism of health workers, even after recent salary increases. It is also important to establish mechanisms to ensure that all staff, especially consultants and senior medical personnel, fulfill their duties as outlined in the duty roster, including patient management, teaching, and research.

Without such measures, public health facilities risk experiencing a brain drain, leading to reduced productivity and poor healthcare outcomes. It is time to find a balanced solution that respects the rights of medical professionals while ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare to the people of Uganda.