ARUA, Uganda – The Uganda Medical Association has condemned what it described as an improper disciplinary order against a senior dental surgeon at Arua Regional Referral Hospital after a video showed State Minister for Health (General Duties) Anifa Bangirana Kawooya confronting him over his posture during her visit.
The Ministry of Health, however, has clarified that Dr. Robert Candia has not been suspended and continues to perform his duties at the hospital.
The controversy followed a monitoring visit by Kawooya to Arua Regional Referral Hospital earlier this week. A video circulating on social media shows the minister questioning Candia after he appeared to speak to her with his hands in his pockets.
Reports about the incident said the minister ordered that Candia be suspended or transferred to Yumbe, reportedly because of the posture she considered disrespectful.
The incident quickly attracted criticism from medical professionals and members of the public, with questions raised about whether such conduct warranted disciplinary action and whether the minister had the authority to impose such action directly.
In a statement dated Oct. 16, UMA President Dr. Frank R. Asiimwe criticised what the association described as an alleged breach of etiquette over “pocketing” hands.
UMA argued that placing hands in pockets does not constitute a disciplinary offence under Uganda’s public service or medical regulatory framework.
The association also questioned the process reportedly followed, citing Article 42 of the 1995 Constitution, which provides for just and fair treatment by administrative bodies, and the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders on disciplinary procedures.
UMA further referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, arguing that professional discipline of medical and dental practitioners must be handled through established legal and regulatory procedures.
The association called for any disciplinary action against Candia to follow the proper procedures and criticised what it described as public humiliation of health workers.
UMA said the incident should also be viewed against the difficult conditions under which many health workers operate, including drug shortages, broken equipment, understaffing and long working hours.
The Ministry of Health issued its own statement on Oct. 16, signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, specifically addressing Candia’s status.
Under the headline “Public Statement: Dr. Robert Candia Has Not Been Suspended,” the ministry said Candia “has not been suspended and continues to perform his duties.”
The Permanent Secretary also said the government has established procedures for handling disciplinary matters and that any such action must follow the applicable public service procedures.
The statement did not directly address the video or explain the minister’s reported instruction to suspend or transfer Candia.
Instead, the ministry urged health professionals to maintain high professional standards and remain focused on providing quality and uninterrupted health care to Ugandans.
It also said the ministry remains committed to constructive engagement with health workers while upholding accountability and ensuring quality patient care.
The clarification means Candia remains in his position despite the reported confrontation at the hospital.
The controversy comes as Arua Regional Referral Hospital faces wider challenges, including staffing shortages and concerns about service delivery. The minister’s visit also focused on absenteeism and allegations of patient extortion, according to reports from the visit.
Kawooya also inaugurated the hospital’s board during the visit.
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