Museveni Pledges Tax Exemption for Doctors' Salaries

President Museveni has renewed his pledge to exempt doctors' salaries from taxation, saying the government is also prepared to increase pay for other health workers. This announcement was made during the closing of the 10th Uganda Medical Association (UMA) Grand Doctors' Conference at Soroti University on Friday. Museveni emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the healthcare sector.

The President also pledged government support for the proposed Shs 125 billion capitalisation of the UMA Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (Sacco). This initiative aims to support the establishment of regional medical hubs, postgraduate training, insurance, and doctors' investments. Additionally, Museveni proposed the establishment of duty-free shops where medical workers could access essential goods, including building materials.

Earlier, UMA president Dr Frank Asiimwe asked the government to address staffing shortages in the health sector. He proposed that staffing levels increase from the current 23 per cent to at least 50 per cent by the next election cycle. Asiimwe also requested the government to increase allowances for medical interns and residents to Shs 2.5 million and ensure that funding for internship positions is planned for from the first year of medical training.

Prof Francis Omaswa called for stronger regulation of medical training institutions, warning that some private institutions were expanding without adequate infrastructure and qualified lecturers. He emphasized the need for these institutions to follow guidelines from the Medical Practitioners Council and the National Council of Higher Education. Omaswa also advocated for increased investment in primary healthcare.

Vice President Jessica Alupo stated that Uganda needed to strengthen its domestic healthcare system so that patients could access specialised treatment locally instead of travelling abroad. The government has engaged partners, including India, to support health facilities and build capacity. This move aims to improve the overall healthcare experience for Ugandans.

Soroti City West MP David Calvin Echodu requested the government to resolve administrative issues surrounding land donated by Soroti University for the proposed Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. He urged the Ministry of Education to issue a no-objection to facilitate the transfer of the land title to the Ministry of Health. Echodu also emphasized the need for funding for the project.

The conference also recognised medical professionals for their contribution to the health sector, with Prof Francis Omaswa and Prof Frank R. Asiimwe among those honoured. Museveni urged health workers to prioritise disease prevention through public education, immunisation, access to safe water, and improved sanitation. He emphasized that prevention was cheaper than waiting for people to fall sick and spending money on treatment.

Key points

• President Museveni pledges to exempt doctors' salaries from tax and considers increasing pay for other health workers.
• The government proposes to capitalize the UMA Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (Sacco) with Shs 125 billion.
• Medical professionals call for stronger regulation of medical training institutions and increased investment in primary healthcare.