The meeting followed a series of other meetings held between the government and Health workers. It came on the heels of the Medics strike which laid grieve consequences on the failing Health Sector. The Chairperson of the newly constituted Task Force to mediate over their issues Dr. Jane Aceng maintained her tough stance saying the strike by the Medical Association was an illegality. “The demands are very correct, however, the methodology for the demands is wrong. And I still maintain the position as advised by the Solicitor General that the strike is illegal.” Said, Jane Aceng – Health Minister.

Other members of the Task Force included State Ministers Finance, Education, Public Service and the Office of the Attorney General. While addressing the Health workers, Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana said the government was not in the position to negotiate with an Association but only Trade Unions. “Under the law, I don’t see any stipulation where Uganda Medical Association has a mandate to negotiate for the terms and conditions of the service with the government.” However, Wilson Owere, Chairman of the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) said the government was paying the price of sidelining Trade Unions and negotiating with individuals. “You have seen it yourself and for me am very happy, in fact, workers should actually squeeze you more.” Said, Wilson Owere – Chairman, NOTU. “You want to bring the sort of Unions to be hated by workers because the workers have stood up and because they are speaking with you, you now want to bring in Unions.” Said, Sam Lyomoki – Workers’ MP.

The Health workers condemned the Health Ministry for failing to handle the matter amicably and using threats. “The problem which is bringing all this in the Health Sector has not been addressed at all. Why all of us are here today is because of the piecing words which came from one woman. The problem of the medical fraternity today is not the doctors, it is not the law because the law cannot work in the hospital and the doctors work in the hospital.” “And the eldest people in this country are telling us to continue with the industrial action until we get results. These people you employed as Directors in the hospitals are telling us to continue with the industrial action.” Said, Dr. Ekwaro Obuku – President, Uganda Medical Association.

The Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng had earlier in the meeting announced that they had a plan B if the negotiations failed. But by the close of the meeting, Aceng announced that the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda would issue a final statement on the matter.