The public confrontation that caused the ministry of health’s intervention
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I A public back-rush against State Minister for Health (General Duties) Anifa Bangirana Kawooya over her reported order to suspend a senior dental surgeon at Arua Regional Referral Hospital has prompted Uganda’s Ministry of Health to clarify that the doctor remains in active service.
The ministry, through its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, on Friday, October 16, 2026, confirmed that Dr. Robert Candia had not been suspended and was continuing to perform his duties without interruption, despite a viral video showing the minister ordering his immediate suspension or transfer.
The controversy erupted after footage circulated on social media showing Kawooya confronting Candia over his conduct while addressing her during a hospital visit. The minister reportedly took issue with the doctor keeping his hands in his pockets as he spoke to her, prompting her to order disciplinary action.
The incident ignited widespread criticism from medical professionals and members of the public, with questions raised about the treatment of health workers and the procedures governing disciplinary action against public servants.
In her statement, Atwine emphasised that disciplinary matters involving government health workers must be handled in accordance with established public service regulations rather than through immediate public pronouncements.
“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.
She added that 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 the statement clarified Candia’s employment status, it did not address the details of his encounter with Kawooya or indicate whether any formal complaint had been lodged against him.
Medical fraternity protests
The ministry’s clarification followed a strongly worded protest by the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), which condemned the minister’s reported directive and demanded an end to the public humiliation of health professionals.
Led by its president, Dr. Frank R. Asiimwe, the association argued that an alleged breach of etiquette did not justify summary disciplinary action against a highly trained medical specialist.
UMA described the incident as “governance by tantrum,” raising concerns about what it viewed as an overreach of political authority into the administration of public servants.
“Healthcare facilities are centres of clinical science, intense human distress, and life-saving interventions. They are not stages for political posturing,” the association said.
The medical body called for any allegations against Candia to be handled by the appropriate authorities in accordance with constitutional guarantees of fair administrative treatment and established public service disciplinary procedures.
It also warned that publicly humiliating health workers could undermine morale in an already strained healthcare system.
Public hospitals across Uganda face persistent challenges, including shortages of essential medicines, inadequate diagnostic equipment, understaffing and demanding workloads. UMA argued that such conditions required constructive engagement between health workers and government officials rather than confrontational encounters.
Other medical personnel and public figures also criticised the minister’s handling of the incident, with calls for her to apologise to the medical fraternity.
Ministry urges professionalism
While clarifying that Candia had not been suspended, Atwine also urged health professionals to uphold the highest standards of conduct and remain focused on their responsibilities to patients.
“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 reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to constructive engagement with health workers while maintaining accountability and ensuring quality patient care.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the relationship between political leaders and professional staff in public institutions, particularly the distinction between government oversight and formal disciplinary procedures.
Government officials have a responsibility to demand accountability in public facilities, but allegations of misconduct against individual employees must be addressed through the relevant administrative channels.
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