Written By | Health News Agencies
Atwine said the government had established procedures for handling disciplinary matters and that any action against public servants must comply with the applicable regulations.
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By Bruno Mugizi
The Ministry of Health has clarified that Dr Robert Candia of Arua Regional Referral Hospital has not been suspended, following a public outcry over State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties Anifa Kawooya’s decision to suspend him during a hospital inspection.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, said Candia continues to perform his duties, emphasising that disciplinary action against public officers must follow established government procedures.
“The Ministry of Health clarifies that Dr Robert Candia of Arua Regional Referral Hospital has not been suspended and continues to perform his duties,” Atwine said in a statement issued on Friday, October 16.
The clarification comes two days after Kawooya confronted Candia during an inspection of the hospital on Wednesday, October 14, over his conduct while addressing her.
A video of the incident that circulated on social media shows the minister questioning the doctor for keeping his hands in his coat pockets while speaking to her, before declaring that he was suspended.
The incident triggered criticism from medical professionals and members of the public, who questioned the minister’s handling of the matter and called for established disciplinary procedures to be followed.
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA), the professional body representing medical practitioners, also condemned the reported suspension and called for the decision to be withdrawn.
Atwine said the government had established procedures for handling disciplinary matters and that any action against public servants must comply with the applicable regulations.
“The Government of Uganda has established procedures for handling disciplinary matters, and any such action must follow the applicable public service procedures,” she said.
Although Atwine did not directly name Kawooya in the statement, her emphasis on established disciplinary procedures came amid growing criticism of the minister’s decision to announce Candia’s suspension during the inspection.
The ministry did not specify whether a formal disciplinary process had been initiated against the doctor.
UMA president Dr Frank Asiimwe criticised the manner in which the incident was handled, arguing that disciplinary matters involving health workers should be addressed through the appropriate administrative channels.
The association also raised concerns about the public reprimand of a medical professional over what it described as an alleged breach of etiquette.
Atwine urged health workers to maintain professional standards and prioritise service delivery despite the controversy.
“I encourage all health professionals to uphold the highest professional standards and remain focused on providing quality, uninterrupted healthcare to the millions of Ugandans who seek services at our health facilities,” she said.
She added that the ministry remained committed to constructive engagement with health workers while ensuring accountability and quality patient care.
