Uganda: Doctors launch indefinite nationwide strike November 6

Event

Doctors belonging to the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), which represents public hospital doctors in the country, launched an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, November 6, to protest low salaries and lack of hospital supplies and equipment.  The strike began after the UMA reportedly rejected the government's request to postpone the strike to allow for more time to seek a negotiated resolution to the situation. The union intends to continue the strike until its demands are met.

Some interruptions should be expected to health care services for the duration of the strike. It is unclear whether public hospitals will continue to provide emergency services during the work stoppage or will cease all activities, while private health providers will likely be put under increased strain due to additional demand. 

Context

Although small-scale strikes occur with some frequency in Uganda, the last time doctors staged a nationwide strike was over two decades ago. Last month, doctors issued a 30-day notice of their intention to strike beginning on November 6, warning that they would walk off the job unless the government addressed their demands. On November 1, President Yoeri Museveni warned that he may declare a state or emergency and arrest the doctors if they do no call off the strike.

The union is demanding that the government restock all hospitals with medicines and supplies, and increase wages for all health professionals. The UMA has proposed raising salaries for intern medical doctors (the lowest level) from UGX 960,000 to 8.5 million (USD 263 to 2332), and senior consultant doctors (the highest level) from UGX 3.4 million to 48 million shillings (USD 960 to 13,170). The union also wants additional housing and transportation allowances for all health professionals.

More generally, Uganda has witnessed a series of violent anti-government protests in recent months. Police have responded to some of these demonstrations using live ammunition and teargas, leading to at least two deaths. This wider controversy stems from a proposed amendment to the constitution that would allow President Museveni (in power since 1986) to run for another term in 2021. Under the current law, the president must be under the age of 75 upon election. Museveni will be 77 by the time of the next vote.

Advice

Individuals present in Uganda  are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all demonstrations. Potentially impacted individuals should confirm doctor's appointments and anticipate longer wait times at hospitals for the duration of the strike.