The Ministry of Health has clarified that Dr Robert Candia, a doctor at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, remains at work despite State Minister for Health Anifa Bangirana Kawooya publicly announcing his suspension during a confrontation that has attracted widespread attention. The clarification has raised questions about the procedures government officials must follow when taking disciplinary action against public servants.
The controversy started after a video circulated on social media showing Kawooya confronting Candia during an official visit to the hospital. In the footage, the minister appears unhappy with the doctor for addressing her while keeping his hands in his pockets. She subsequently declares him suspended, repeatedly emphasising the decision as Candia is guided away from the scene.
The incident sparked criticism from members of the public and medical practitioners, with many questioning whether the minister’s declaration followed the established disciplinary procedures. Others raised concerns about the public confrontation, arguing that disagreements involving government employees should be handled professionally and through the appropriate administrative channels.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine clarified that Candia had not been formally removed from his duties. She explained that disciplinary matters involving public officers must be handled in accordance with established government procedures, indicating that the announcement captured in the video had not resulted in the doctor’s formal suspension.
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) had earlier condemned the incident and called for the purported suspension to be withdrawn. UMA president Frank Asiimwe criticised the public confrontation, stressing that health facilities should remain focused on patient care and lifesaving interventions rather than becoming venues for disputes between government officials and medical workers.
Asiimwe argued that hospitals are places where medical professionals deal with human suffering and provide essential services, making public confrontations inappropriate. He called on government officials to address concerns about staff conduct through established institutional channels instead of publicly reprimanding employees in circumstances that could undermine their professionalism.
The incident has also reignited debate about government officials who conduct filmed inspection tours and confront public officers over alleged poor performance or failures in service delivery. Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara is among the officials who have attracted attention for similar visits to government institutions. Supporters argue that publicly highlighting shortcomings can improve accountability, while critics say reprimanding employees before allegations have been properly investigated risks undermining due process and workers’ rights.
The dispute involving Candia has highlighted the distinction between a minister expressing dissatisfaction with a public officer’s conduct and the formal exercise of disciplinary authority. With the Ministry of Health clarifying that the doctor remains at work, the incident has renewed calls for government officials to follow established procedures when addressing alleged misconduct, while ensuring that accountability in public institutions is balanced with professionalism and fairness.
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