Health workers in Bunyoro face sanctions over failure to wear uniforms
Dr. Atwiine said wearing official uniforms is now mandatory for all government health workers, warning that failure to comply could attract disciplinary action, including dismissal from the public service.
By George Niyonzima
Health workers in government health facilities across the Bunyoro sub-region have been directed to wear their official uniforms at all times while on duty following a new directive issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine.
The directive, which forms part of broader efforts to improve professionalism, accountability and service delivery in public health facilities, was communicated during the Bunyoro/Hoima Regional Integrated Care System Platform meeting held at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr. Atwiine said wearing official uniforms is now mandatory for all government health workers, warning that failure to comply could attract disciplinary action, including dismissal from the public service.
She explained that uniforms make it easier for patients to identify legitimate health workers, promote professionalism, and help curb unethical practices such as soliciting bribes before offering healthcare services.
“Patients should easily identify the people responsible for providing care. Uniforms enhance professionalism while strengthening accountability within our health facilities,” she said.
Dr. Atwiine noted that public confidence in Uganda’s government health facilities continues to grow because many citizens trust the system to provide quality and affordable healthcare.
However, she said the increasing number of patients seeking services also places greater responsibility on health workers to uphold professionalism, integrity and compassion.
The Chairperson of the Health Service Commission, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, and the Director of Health Services, Prof. Charles Olaro, expressed concern over the poor health service indicators that have persisted in the Bunyoro region over the years.
They called upon health workers to strengthen teamwork, improve service delivery and ensure better health outcomes for communities across the region.
The concerns emerged during the Ministry of Health’s support supervision exercise, which revealed that several health facilities in Bunyoro lack essential medical equipment and other critical resources required to deliver quality healthcare services effectively.
The Executive Director of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Bwaga, welcomed the Ministry’s supervision exercise, describing it as an important opportunity to assess the hospital’s performance and identify areas requiring improvement.
He pledged the hospital’s commitment to implementing the recommendations and working closely with the Ministry to enhance healthcare service delivery in the region.
The Ministry of Health says it has prioritised health promotion, disease prevention and improved quality of care across the country. Officials believe that strict adherence to professional standards, including the mandatory wearing of official uniforms, will strengthen accountability, improve patient confidence and contribute to better health outcomes in Uganda’s public health system.
