By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health has issued a statement regarding the alleged suspension of Arua Referral’s Dr. Robert Candia by Hon. Min. of State for Health, Hon. Anifa Kawooya.
The Minister allegedly suspended the Doctor who is a senior dental surgeon because he was pocketing while she spoke to him on Thursday, 15th October, 2026 in a video that has since gone viral.
However, in a tacit statement issued today, Friday, October 16, 2026, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwiine says the Doctor is not suspended and is carrying out his duties normally.
“The Ministry of Health clarifies that Dr. Robert Candia of Arua Regional Referral Hospital is not suspended and continues to perform his duties,” says Atwiine in her statement.
The P/S says the Ministry has established procedures for handling disciplinary matters and any such action must follow the applicable public service procedures.
The alleged suspension elicited negative reactions from the members of the public and Uganda Medical Association who called the action, “governance by tantrum is not health policy.”
In a strongly worded letter issued on Friday, 16th October, U.M.A said it condemned the unlawful summary suspension of Dr. Robert Candia by Hon. Min. of State for Health, Hon. Anifa Kawooya.
“We demand: Immediate rescission of the suspension and an end to political theatrics in our health facilities,” UMA said.
