A high-level meeting has been convened in Kampala, Uganda, involving the Prime Minister, the Ministries of Public Service and Health, Pre-interns, Senior House Officers, Medical Officers Special Grade, and the Uganda Medical Association. The meeting was called in response to a strike by a section of healthcare workers.

According to sources who attended the meeting, the government threatened to hire new medical officers on contract if those who are striking do not return to work.

The strike, which has been ongoing since 1st May, was initiated by Senior House Officers who are protesting against the government's failure to pay their allowances for close to six months.

In addition, Medical Officers Special Grade went on strike on Tuesday over issues of salary enhancement, while medical interns have not been deployed as the government says it has no money.

The sources also revealed that the government has proposed that interns should cater for their own upkeep costs, a move that has not gone down well with the medical fraternity.

Moreover, the government is positive towards changing the title of medical officer special grade to associate consultant, but insists that there will be no pay enhancement for the specialists. The government has also proposed to limit the number of learners enrolling in medical school to improve quality.

These matters will further be discussed in the cabinet by the government, and a decision will be taken. The situation remains tense, with healthcare workers adamant that they will not back down until their demands are met.

The Uganda Medical Association has expressed its solidarity with the striking healthcare workers and has vowed to support them until a satisfactory resolution is reached.