Over 1,400 Doctors Apply for 16 Government Jobs: Uganda’s Health Sector Sees High Interest Amid Staffing Challenges
- Afri Careers
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 24
More than 1,400 doctors recently applied for just 16 government job openings announced by the Health Service Commission. This high turnout underscores both the growing number of trained health professionals and the rising competition in Uganda’s public health sector.
Speaking during the aptitude tests at Makerere University on Monday, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Chairperson of the Health Service Commission, confirmed that 1,413 applications were received for positions at the Ministry of Health and Kayunga Hospital. The overwhelming interest highlights the strong desire among medical professionals to serve in Uganda’s public health system.
However, only about half of the applicants were shortlisted for testing. Dr. Mwebesa revealed that nearly 700 candidates were disqualified for failing to attach essential documents, such as annual practicing licenses, national identification cards, and academic transcripts.
To maintain integrity in the process, Dr. Mwebesa addressed reports of fraudulent individuals who had been selling fake interview materials to desperate applicants. He emphasized that the Commission finalized the official aptitude questions just hours before the tests to ensure no leaks occurred.
Importantly, the aptitude test was not aimed at assessing clinical expertise, but rather general knowledge—designed as an initial filtering step to manage the large applicant pool. Successful candidates will later be invited for technical interviews.
Dr. Mwebesa noted that the Commission received a total of 9,976 applications across a wide range of roles, including senior consultants and laboratory technicians. Positions with fewer applicants will proceed directly to the interview stage, bypassing the aptitude test entirely. Interviews are set to begin next week.
In a bid to enhance efficiency and reduce fraud, the Commission transitioned from manual to online applications, cutting down the application period to 21 days and reducing physical crowding at its offices.
Despite challenges, including staff shortages and a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:25,000 (far from the WHO’s recommended 1:1,000), Dr. Mwebesa expressed optimism about the future. "More hospitals are expected to recruit staff in the new financial year," he announced, offering hope to medical professionals and the public alike.
These recruitment efforts align with Uganda’s broader vision to strengthen its healthcare system, creating more opportunities for professionals while addressing critical gaps in service delivery.
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