Dr. Ndagishe Aliyi Questions Priorities as Doctors Remain Jobless and Hospital Drugs Go Missing

Kampala, Uganda — April 11, 2026

Ndagishe Aliyi has raised fresh concern over what he describes as a troubling mismatch between national priorities and the realities within Uganda’s health sector, pointing to rising unemployment among doctors and continued loss of medicines in public hospitals.

Dr. Aliyi, the Dean of Studies at MK International School and Chief Executive Officer of Ali Medical Hospital, said the country continues to produce qualified medical professionals who are not being absorbed into the system, even as health facilities struggle with limited staffing.

“Every year, thousands of qualified doctors graduate from various universities, yet many remain unemployed or underemployed.

This is a serious concern because the need for healthcare services remains high across the country.”His remarks come shortly after Vice President Jessica Alupo announced that Arts teachers in government-aided secondary schools will receive a phased 25 percent salary increment starting July 2026 under the next financial year.

While the move is aimed at addressing salary disparities in the education sector, Dr. Aliyi said it has drawn attention to long-standing gaps in healthcare investment, particularly in recruitment and resource allocation.

He also highlighted ongoing concerns over the handling of medical supplies in public hospitals, noting that reports of missing drugs continue to affect patient care.

“The issue of drugs going missing from public facilities has persisted for years.

It affects service delivery and puts additional pressure on patients who are often required to buy medicines that should be available.”

According to Dr. Aliyi, strengthening accountability systems in the management of medical supplies is essential to restoring confidence in public health facilities.

He called for the adoption of stronger monitoring measures, including digital systems, routine audits, and stricter enforcement to address malpractice.

On the issue of employment, he urged government to fast-track the recruitment of doctors and deploy them to health centres facing staffing shortages, particularly in rural communities.

Dr. Aliyi emphasised that improving healthcare delivery requires deliberate action to address both human resource gaps and supply chain challenges.

The government has previously indicated plans to improve oversight in the health sector, including efforts to digitise hospital systems and enhance regulation.

However, concerns remain over the pace of implementation and continued reports of shortages in essential medicines.

As discussions continue, Dr. Aliyi’s remarks have added to calls for a more balanced approach in addressing the needs of critical sectors, with stakeholders urging greater focus on strengthening healthcare services across the country.