Intern doctors at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital are living in fear due to the rising insecurity in the hospital's vicinity. This concern was voiced during a security meeting presided over by the Resident District Commissioner of Kabale. Intern doctors expressed their distress over the deteriorating security situation in the area surrounding the hospital. Furthermore, they highlighted a series of attacks on four recently arrived intern doctors who had joined Kabale Regional Referral Hospital (KRRH) to serve the community.

These dedicated healthcare professionals found themselves targeted by criminals while residing in rented accommodations away from the hospital premises. The delayed handover of intern hostels by the contractor, Musuuza Contractors and Company Limited, who has refused to relinquish the facility without what they claim is owed money from the Ministry of Health, left intern doctors vulnerable to such incidents.

Many of them have fallen victim to criminal acts, especially when returning from their duties late at night. Over four cases of robbery have been reported.

Dr. Osinde Ochieng, the President of the medical interns attached to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, reveals that four medical interns have been attacked and robbed in their rented residences. He expresses the pain of having the intern hostel complex completed but still inaccessible due to the contractor's refusal, forcing them to rent outside the hospital.

Ochieng emphasizes that they are committed to not leaving patients unattended just to rush back to their rented homes, which are far from the hospital. He calls upon the responsible authorities to mediate with the contractor to expedite the handover of the hostels to the hospital management.

Dr. Oscar Melvin Gumisiriza, Treasurer General at the Federation of Uganda Medical Interns, confirms that four robbery cases involving medical interns have been reported, with interns being attacked in their residences and their properties stolen. He notes that the reduction in their allowances has also had a significant impact on their financial well-being.

Dr. Gumisiriza appeals to President Museveni to reconsider their allowances and address their concerns. He urges the administration of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to engage with the contractor to resolve the issues related to the intern hostels.

Kabale Regional Referral Hospital acknowledges the unfortunate incidents of robbery involving intern doctors and expresses its concern. They mention that in previous years, they used to provide rent for medical interns, but this became challenging due to financial constraints.

The hospital administration emphasizes the importance of the contractor handing over the intern hostel complex to ensure the safety of the intern doctors. They assure the medical interns of their commitment to working closely with them.

Godfrey Nyakahuma, RDC Kabale District, expresses his regret over the insecurity faced by intern doctors. He recommends that the hospital management arrange transportation for intern doctors, especially those on night shifts, and encourages intern doctors to find accommodation in safer areas.

Nyakahuma assures intern doctors of additional security measures and mentions plans to establish a police post in the hospital vicinity to combat insecurity.

It is important to note that intern doctors were redeployed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital on August 1, 2023.