President Yoweri Museveni has issued a firm directive to authorities to crack down on individuals and institutions that have turned medical education into a profit-driven enterprise, cautioning that the trend poses a serious threat to healthcare quality in Uganda.
The directive was announced on Friday, November 13, 2026, during the closing ceremony of the 10th annual general meeting of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), held at Soroti University.
Concerns Over Declining Standards
The President's action came in response to urgent concerns raised by UMA President Prof. Frank Asiimwe, who warned that permitting individuals to establish medical training institutions solely for financial gain could erode standards across the health sector.
In his address, Asiimwe cautioned against what he described as the unchecked proliferation of substandard medical training institutions, noting that the trend risks producing poorly trained health workers.
The UMA president also received Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who graced the event, underscoring the government's attention to the matter.
The meeting drew a large number of medical doctors from across the country, reflecting the profession's growing anxiety over the commercialization of medical education.
Government Pledge
President Museveni's directive signals a renewed push to regulate medical training and ensure that only qualified institutions are allowed to operate. Authorities are now expected to take action against those found flouting the standards.
The development has been welcomed by many in the medical fraternity, who see it as a crucial step toward safeguarding the integrity of Uganda's healthcare system.
