Pre-medical interns have petitioned the speaker of parliament Hon. Anita Annet Among over their delayed deployment.
The disgruntled undeployed interns matched to parliament on Wednesday June 21st in protest of their delayed deployment. These were led by Dr. Ekwaro Obuku, former president Uganda Medical Association.
These (pre-medical interns) were first blocked by parliamentary police and later only seven representatives were allowed to access parliament.
In their presentation, the students expressed their dismay with the ministry of finance for delaying to release funds to facilitate their internship. These noted that the money allocated in the budget for the financial year 2023/2024 caters for their colleagues who are already on internship leaving them out.
The petition was the second in a period of less than two months from the first petition. Pre-medical interns first petitioned speaker Among in April this year.
Speaker Anita Among promised the undeployed medics that parliament is working tirelessly to resolve the issue of their deployment.
During plenary on Wednesday, speaker Among asked premier Robinah Nabbanja to make a fallup on the issue of medical interns.
“Prime Minister during the budget day government promised to address cries of interns, kindly make a fallup and ensure that the 1900 interns are deployed and are paid,” she said.
Among said that parliament will be very grateful to receive a report from the prime minister on the payment of the interns and those awaiting deployment.
Medical students are required to do a one-year internship before being certified to begin work.
