Medical officers serving in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have sounded the alarm over low pay and the government’s continued failure to implement long-promised salary increments. Despite working under extremely tough conditions, the officers say they have been left behind while colleagues in civilian health, police, prisons, and local government have already received their raises.
The medics reveal that they have followed all government procedures to seek redress, including reporting the issue to the Anti-Corruption Unit at State House, but their cries have been ignored. Some allege that instead of being heard, they face threats of arrest if identified as whistleblowers. They argue that their sacrifices, including service in combat roles, deserve recognition through fair and timely pay.
According to the officers, the Ministry of Health released funds to the Ministry of Defense to cater for the salary increments, yet implementation has stalled. They also raise concerns about repeated delays in issuing practicing licenses, which are essential for their professional work. While past interventions under officials like Edith Nakalema yielded results, recent appeals have produced no change.
The medics stress that the government approved salary increases in the 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 budgets, but UPDF medical staff have never benefited. They are now appealing directly to President Yoweri Museveni and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to step in and ensure fairness, payment of arrears, and recognition of their equal status among Uganda’s medical professionals.
Their outcry underscores a pressing need for equity, transparency, and respect for the frontline military health workers who continue to risk their lives for the country
