UMA Swears in new leadership as traders call for use of designated food markets

19 December 2025, 11:15 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) on Tuesday held a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected leaders at New Mulago Hospital in Kampala.

The ceremony was officiated by former UMA president Dr. Kenye Mugisha, who also chairs the Normalization Committee. He urged the incoming leadership to uphold discipline and professionalism as they execute their mandate.

The Normalization Committee, composed of elders of the association, was tasked on 8th November 2025 to organize the UMA elections. Out of three contenders for the presidency, Dr. Frank Asiimwe emerged winner with 67.78% of the vote. Dr. Kabweru Wilberforce was elected Deputy President with 53.85%, while Dr. Aaron Nahabwe secured the position of Secretary General after garnering 84.09% of the votes. Other members of the new cabinet include Dr. Beatrice Adonkara and Dr. Fortunate Abangira, who will serve as Treasurer, among others.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Asiimwe thanked the elders for overseeing the electoral process and pledged to work with government to implement his manifesto, while firmly defending the interests of UMA members.

“We shall work with government, but we will not kneel. We shall continue pushing for what is favourable for our members,” Dr. Asiimwe said.

He also expressed gratitude to his family and the outgoing National Executive Committee led by Dr. Herbert Luswata, whom he previously deputized. He announced plans for a leadership retreat to strengthen teamwork and reconciliation.

Dr. Asiimwe further revealed plans to amend the UMA constitution to allow greater inclusion of doctors from different sectors, including those in the diaspora, private practitioners, district health officers, and doctors working with non-governmental organizations.

Among his key manifesto commitments is the fast-tracked reinstatement of internship doctors’ monthly allowance of UGX 2.5 million, to be paid on time. He also promised to push for the completion and implementation of the internship policy to enable intern doctors to receive formal civil service appointments with full benefits.

A transplant surgeon and consultant, Dr. Asiimwe raised concern over the more than 45,000 unemployed nurses in the country, as well as the heavy workload faced by doctors. He noted that one doctor often attends to an average of 2,500 patients, a situation he described as unsustainable.

Regarding the UGX 5 billion earlier pledged by the President to the association—of which only UGX 1 billion was released—Dr. Asiimwe pledged to follow up on the balance, which has now accumulated to UGX 10 billion, to support UMA operations.

Deputy President Dr. Kabweru Wilberforce called on government to urgently establish structures to absorb newly trained doctors into employment, warning that delays encourage medical professionals to seek opportunities abroad despite heavy public investment in their training.

Former UMA President Dr. Herbert Luswata, who attended the ceremony virtually, advised the new leadership to follow up on unfinished business and pledged continued guidance and support. The new leadership’s tenure will run until 2027.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson of Irish potato traders in Kampala, Njumba Samuel, urged the public to buy food items from designated markets to ensure freshness and fair pricing.

Speaking to journalists during the traders’ Christmas message in Kampala, Njumba assured customers that potato prices would remain relatively stable during the festive season despite increased demand.

“We encourage our customers to buy food from designated markets to get fresh produce. Prices may slightly rise due to demand, but they will remain reasonable,” he said.

He pledged improved service delivery in the coming year and wished Ugandans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.