Doctors reject new health training policy over lack of consultation

The Uganda Medical Association has strongly rejected the newly launched National Education and Training for Health Policy 2025, citing lack of stakeholder engagement and warning that the framework risks creating more problems than it solves in Uganda’s healthcare system.

In a sharply worded statement, UMA criticized the manner in which the policy was developed, arguing that it was formulated in secrecy without adequate consultation with key actors in the health sector. “There is nothing to celebrate in a policy developed in secrecy and without stakeholder engagement. Sound policy should align society and address problems, not create them,” the association said.

The policy, unveiled by the Ministry of Health Uganda in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda, is intended to reform the training of health professionals and better align skills development with the country’s evolving healthcare needs. Government officials have described it as a strategic intervention to address workforce gaps and improve service delivery across the health system.

However, UMA maintains that excluding frontline practitioners and professional bodies from the policy design process undermines its credibility and effectiveness. The association has called for an immediate review of the framework, urging government to engage doctors, medical educators, and other stakeholders before implementation.

The rejection sets the stage for potential friction between policymakers and health professionals, at a time when Uganda is already grappling with staffing shortages, uneven distribution of health workers, and concerns over the quality of training.

Analysts warn that without broad-based buy-in, even well-intentioned reforms risk facing resistance during rollout, potentially slowing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce. UMA’s stance highlights a broader governance challenge, balancing rapid policy reform with inclusive consultation in sectors critical to public welfare.