HRRH staff threaten to strike over shs450m unpaid arrears

Hoima | Health workers at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) say they are tempted to lay down tools over delayed payments which affect their endless efforts to service delivery.

According to them, the delay in payments have affected them in managing their livelihoods including food, rent, medication, transport, among other needs.

Dr Joseph Kirunda, a clinical officer at the facility noted that about forty two medical workers are demanding for their uncovered arrears for the periods of March to June of the 2023/2024 Financial Year.

“We have about 42 medical workers [here] who have been complaining about their uncovered arrears for 2023/2024 financial year. So, we really urge the government to cover all those outstanding debts to ensure better and effective service delivery,” he urged.

Kirunda said that the situation affects officials from different departments, which according to him affects service delivery entirely.

“It has affected a couple of workers almost from every department and when this situation persists, service delivery will be affected without fail,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim Bwaga, the acting director at the facility, said that the money has been allocated in quarter four of the 2026/2027 budget pending approval.

Bwaga assured the concerned officials that the authorities are working around the clock to have all their arrears covered at the commencement of this financial year.

“We have been able to intervene to stabilise the situation,” Bwaga said.

In the 2026/2027 financial year budget, 5.23 trillion has been allocated to the health sector. This allocation is part of the broader Shs 84.39 trillion national budget presented by Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and represents a decrease from the Shs 5.87 trillion allocated in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Meanwhile, the situation causes questions among service seekers at the facility, with expected laps of service delivery within the facility.

Kunihira Margaret, Nyam6ungu Jackline from Hoima district notice that this will lead to poor service delivery especially to expectant mothers.