More than 1,400 doctors recently applied for only 16 job openings advertised by the Health Service Commission, underscoring the worsening issue of medical unemployment in Uganda.
While speaking to the press on Monday at Makerere University—where shortlisted candidates were taking aptitude tests—Dr. Henry Mwebesa, chairperson of the Health Service Commission, disclosed that they had received 1,413 applications for a handful of positions at the Ministry of Health and Kayunga Hospital.
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However, only about 50% of the applicants advanced to the next stage. Dr. Mwebesa noted that around 700 candidates were disqualified for failing to submit essential documents such as valid annual practicing licenses, national identity cards, and academic transcripts. He also raised alarms about increasing scams targeting job seekers.
According to Mwebesa, some applicants reported being tricked by fraudsters who demanded payment in exchange for leaked interview questions. To prevent such leaks, he said the aptitude test questions were only finalized at midnight before the exam.
He further clarified that the aptitude test, conducted at Makerere University, is designed to assess general knowledge rather than medical expertise. This helps streamline the large number of candidates ahead of the technical interview phase.
Altogether, the Commission received 9,976 applications across various roles, including senior consultants and lab technicians. For positions with fewer applicants, candidates will bypass the aptitude test and proceed straight to interviews, scheduled to start next week.
Previously, job applications were submitted in person, but the new online system has reduced the application window to 21 days, minimized crowding at Commission offices, and lowered the risk of corruption.
This hiring process takes place against the backdrop of a worsening unemployment crisis among healthcare workers, even as many public hospitals remain understaffed. Uganda’s doctor-to-patient ratio currently stands at 1:25,000—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:1,000.
Despite the bleak statistics, Dr. Mwebesa expressed optimism, saying more hospitals are expected to open recruitment drives in the new financial year.
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