Dr Kenneth Omona has defended Dr Robert Candia, who was suspended by State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties Anifa Kawooya over concerns about his conduct during a health facility visit, urging the minister to reconsider her decision.
In a statement shared on X, Omona, who said he knew Candia from medical school, described him as a disciplined and cheerful person whose character deserved consideration before a final decision was made.
Omona explained that doctors sometimes put their hands in the lower pockets of their clinical coats to rest their arms, particularly during long working hours when they become tired while attending to patients.
He added that the habit could also help medical workers avoid touching ward surfaces unnecessarily before disinfecting their hands and examining patients.
Omona further noted that some doctors put their hands in their pockets to conceal glove powder, arguing that the appearance of their hands does not automatically mean they are dirty. He maintained that the habit is not unique to Candia and can also be observed among senior medical practitioners.
“Please, please, let me plead for Dr Candia, he is that nice son of yours — try and find out,” Omona appealed to Minister Kawooya, asking her to reconsider the suspension.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), in a statement dated October 16, 2026, also called for Candia’s suspension to be reversed. UMA president Dr Frank R. Asiimwe accused the minister of publicly humiliating the doctor and disregarding established disciplinary procedures.
Omona’s intervention has intensified debate over Candia’s suspension, with calls for the matter to be handled fairly and through appropriate professional and administrative channels.
