Respect My Office! Junior Health Minister Anifa Kawooya Allegedly Suspends Doctor for ‘Pocketing’ During Facility Visit

State Minister for Health (General Duties) Anifa Bangirana Kawooya has sparked public debate after reportedly ordering the suspension of a medical officer who was found with his hands in his pockets while speaking to her during an inspection of a public health facility.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, and has attracted criticism from sections of the public following the circulation of a video showing the minister addressing the doctor. According to reports, Kawooya ordered that the medical officer be suspended or transferred to Yumbe over what was described as inappropriate conduct.

The reported decision has raised questions about workplace discipline and respect for public officials, with some Ugandans questioning whether placing one's hands in pockets during a conversation should warrant such a serious disciplinary measure.

Clinical professor and urologist Frank Asiimwe, who uses the X handle @RubabindaJr, criticised the minister's reported approach, suggesting that disciplinary action against health workers should not appear personal. He argued that the handling of such incidents risked creating unnecessary conflict between government officials and medical professionals.

Another medical practitioner, Doctor ALTON, who posts on X as @NewtonAllan6, also expressed concern over the reported suspension, arguing that the health sector was facing growing pressure. Doctor Atwiine similarly questioned the decision, asking how hospitals would continue operating if medical workers were suspended for similar conduct.

Journalist Gabriel Buule also criticised the minister, arguing that her approach overlooked persistent understaffing in public health facilities. The reactions have brought renewed attention to the challenges facing Uganda's health sector, where shortages of medical personnel continue to place pressure on available staff.

However, some social media users defended the minister's reported actions, arguing that public servants should maintain discipline and demonstrate respect when interacting with their supervisors and government officials. Kawooya has previously called for disciplinary action against health workers accused of absenteeism, abandoning duty stations and attending to patients at private facilities during official working hours.

By Thursday evening, the Ministry of Health had not issued an official statement on the incident. It also remained unclear whether the doctor had received formal suspension documents, been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations, or faced any subsequent administrative action. The incident continues to fuel debate over professional conduct, proportional disciplinary measures and the management of Uganda's public health workforce.