That Was Unfair! Doctors Demand Reinstatement of Arua Doctor Suspended for Talking to Minister While Pocketing

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of a surgeon at Arua Regional Referral Hospital who was reportedly suspended after speaking to a government minister with his hands in his pockets.

UMA condemned the suspension, arguing that political leaders have no authority to summarily discipline civil servants without following established administrative procedures.

The association maintained that professional misconduct involving medical practitioners falls under the mandate of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, urging authorities to respect due process rather than publicly humiliate health workers.

UMA warned that such treatment could further damage morale in Uganda’s health sector, which is already struggling with staff shortages, inadequate medical equipment, medicine stockouts and overwhelming workloads.

Lawyer Joshua Byamazima has offered to represent the suspended surgeon without charge. He also urged UMA President Dr Rubabinda to accompany the doctor back to work, promising legal assistance if hospital authorities denied him entry.

Several medical professionals have questioned whether placing one’s hands in pockets while addressing a government official should warrant suspension, with concerns growing over the treatment of health workers during official inspections.

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The controversy comes as Arua Regional Referral Hospital operates under severe staffing pressure. Acting director Dr Gilbert Aniku told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on September 14, 2026, that the hospital had only 23 per cent of its approved workforce while serving approximately 2.5 million people.The hospital handles about 130,000 outpatients and 22,000 inpatients annually and has received clearance to recruit 127 additional workers. The dispute has sparked renewed debate about disciplinary procedures, respect for medical professionals and the challenges facing Uganda’s public health facilities.