Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the country’s medical union have entered into a row over proposed nationwide strikes.
The strikes are believed to be over pay and working conditions, with the country’s highest-paid public sector medics earning more than just $1,000 a month.
In an interview with local media, Dr Ekwaro Obuku, head of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), said that President Museveni had warned members that he would call a “state of emergency” and arrest doctors if they went ahead with next week’s planned strike.
However, President Museveni’s senior press secretary has denied any threats were made and insists the meeting, held last night, was civil.
Many are fearing a national crisis if doctors at all public hospitals and health centres do take industrial action.
Dr Obuku said that the president promised to review doctors’ salaries and hold future meetings on the matter.
A final decision on whether to strike or not will be voted on by UMA members on 6 November, the union says.
