The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has strongly condemned the suspension of Dr Robert Candia by the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Anifa Kawooya. In a press statement dated October 16, 2026, UMA President Dr Frank R. Asiimwe expressed deep concern over the public incident involving Dr Candia and the subsequent summary suspension. The association described the decision as arbitrary and demanded its immediate reversal.
According to UMA, the dispute arose from an alleged breach of etiquette, described as "pocketing" his hands during an exchange with the minister. However, the association argued that the alleged conduct did not constitute a recognized major disciplinary offence under Uganda's laws or established clinical procedures governing healthcare delivery. UMA criticized what it described as an episode of public humiliation and theatrical display rather than constructive supervision of health workers.
The association maintained that healthcare facilities should remain places for clinical practice, patient care, and life-saving interventions rather than arenas for political confrontations. UMA cited Article 42 of the 1995 Constitution, which provides for just and fair treatment in administrative decisions, including the right to be heard. It also referred to Section F-r of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders (2021), which outlines procedures for disciplinary control, interdiction, and investigations.
UMA further cited the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. 272, which provides for the regulation of professional conduct and ethics among medical practitioners through the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council. According to UMA, disciplinary matters involving medical professionals should be handled through legally established mechanisms rather than impromptu political tribunals. The association emphasized the need for accountability and supervision to be constructive, structured, and conducted by technically competent authorities within the Ministry of Health.
Beyond the suspension, UMA highlighted the difficult working conditions faced by medical personnel in Uganda's health facilities. The association pointed to persistent shortages of medicines, broken diagnostic equipment, understaffing, and exhausting work schedules, arguing that public humiliation and abrupt administrative punishment could undermine health workers' morale. UMA urged political leaders to allow the ministry's technical departments to carry out their responsibilities without disruptive micromanagement.
The association outlined three demands in response to the suspension. First, it called for the immediate rescission of what it described as the unlawful and arbitrary suspension of Dr Candia. Second, it demanded strict adherence to statutory disciplinary procedures should a genuine administrative inquiry be necessary. Third, UMA called for an immediate end to political theatrics in health centers across the country.
The association reiterated that supervision and accountability should focus on improving healthcare delivery and maintaining professional standards rather than turning administrative disagreements into public confrontations. The statement was signed by Dr Asiimwe on behalf of the association. The minister's response to UMA's demands was not included in the statement, and the circumstances surrounding the suspension could not be independently established from the document.
Key points
- The Uganda Medical Association demands the immediate reversal of Dr Robert Candia's suspension.
- The association criticizes the minister's decision as arbitrary and cites lack of adherence to disciplinary procedures.
- UMA highlights the difficult working conditions faced by medical personnel in Uganda's health facilities.
