Kenyan Medical Union Slams Uganda Over Intern Arrests, Demands Regional Action
KMPDU condemns alleged assault and detention of healthcare workers protesting for better conditions, urging Kampala for dialogue and solidarity across East Africa.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has issued a forceful condemnation against Ugandan authorities following the reported arrest and assault of medical interns. The Kenyan union, representing medical professionals, pharmacists, and dentists, expressed outrage over actions taken against healthcare workers who were peacefully advocating for improved working conditions in the neighbouring nation.
In a press statement released on August 16, 2026, KMPDU accused Ugandan security agencies of employing violence and arbitrary detention against these junior medical staff. Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah, KMPDU Secretary General and CEO, articulated the union's dismay at what it termed as harassment and intimidation directed at professionals exercising their fundamental right to demand better terms of service.
The Kenyan union laid out a set of urgent demands for the Ugandan government. Foremost among these was the immediate and unconditional release of all detained medical interns and other healthcare workers. KMPDU also insisted on an immediate cessation of all forms of intimidation, violence, and arbitrary arrests carried out by security forces against medical personnel.
Beyond immediate releases, KMPDU called for the Ugandan government and its Ministry of Health to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue with the affected interns. Furthermore, the union appealed for a unified regional front, urging collective advocacy for the establishment of decent working conditions for medical professionals throughout the African continent. Dr. Atellah underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "Healthcare workers should not have to choose between serving their patients and defending their basic rights. There can be no sustainable healthcare system where medical professionals are silenced through fear, force and detention."
This intervention by KMPDU highlights a growing concern within the East African medical community regarding the treatment of junior healthcare workers who resort to industrial action or public protest to voice grievances. For Kenyan readers, this resonates deeply as KMPDU itself has a well-documented history of engaging in significant labour disputes with the Kenyan government, championing better remuneration and working conditions for doctors in the public sector.
The union's firm stance signals that the issue extends beyond Uganda's borders, framing the arrests as a serious threat to the universal rights of healthcare workers across the entire region. KMPDU's call for solidarity aims to foster a protective environment for medical professionals, ensuring they can advocate for their welfare without fear of reprisal, a critical component for robust healthcare systems in Africa.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by medical professionals in East Africa and the vital role unions play in defending their rights. This report draws information originally compiled by TUKO.