Dr. Ndagishe Aliyi Raises Alarm Over Unemployed Doctors and Drug Leakages in Public Hospitals

Kampala, Uganda — April 11, 2026A senior educationist and health sector player, Ndagishe Aliyi, has sounded the alarm over rising unemployment among medical graduates and persistent drug leakages in public hospitals, warning that both issues continue to weaken Uganda’s healthcare system.

Dr. Aliyi, who serves as Dean of Studies at MK International School and Chief Executive Officer of Ali Medical Hospital, said the country is failing to effectively utilise its growing pool of trained medical professionals despite clear staffing gaps in health facilities.

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

This is a major setback not only for the professionals themselves but also for the health system that urgently needs their skills.

”His concerns come at a time when government is set to implement a phased 25 percent salary increment for Arts teachers in government-aided secondary schools beginning July 2026, following an announcement by Vice President Jessica Alupo.

While the increment is intended to address pay disparities in the education sector, Dr. Aliyi said it has brought renewed attention to unresolved challenges in healthcare, particularly recruitment delays and resource constraints.

In addition to employment concerns, he pointed to continued reports of essential medicines being diverted from public hospitals, describing the situation as a serious threat to patient care.

“When drugs meant for public facilities are diverted, it is the ordinary Ugandan who suffers most.

Patients are forced to buy medicines that should be freely available, and in many cases, they simply go without treatment.

”He emphasised the need for stronger systems to safeguard medical supplies, including improved tracking, tighter supervision, and firm disciplinary action against those involved in malpractice.

Dr. Aliyi also called for deliberate government action to recruit and deploy more doctors, especially in underserved areas where health services remain limited.

He noted that addressing both staffing shortages and drug management challenges would significantly improve service delivery and restore confidence in public healthcare institutions.

Government has previously acknowledged gaps in the sector and initiated measures such as plans to digitise hospital systems and strengthen regulatory oversight.

However, concerns remain over slow implementation and continued reports of stock shortages in health facilities.

Dr. Aliyi’s remarks add to growing public discussion on the need to prioritise healthcare investment, as Uganda seeks to balance competing demands across key sectors.