Uganda’s Ministry of Health has clarified that Dr Robert Candia, a senior dental surgeon at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, has not been suspended and continues to perform his duties, following a public controversy over his confrontation with State Minister for Health Anifa Kawooya.
In a public statement dated October 16, 2026, Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said Candia remained in service, stressing that disciplinary action against public officers must follow established government procedures.
“The Ministry of Health clarifies that Dr Robert Candia of Arua Regional Referral Hospital has not been suspended and continues to perform his duties,” the statement reads.
The clarification follows widespread criticism after Kawooya reportedly ordered Candia’s immediate suspension during a monitoring visit to the hospital on October 14, 2026.
A video of the confrontation circulated on social media, showing the minister questioning the doctor over his conduct while speaking to her, particularly keeping his hands in his pockets.
The incident sparked debate about the limits of ministerial authority, the treatment of health workers and the procedures government officials must follow when handling alleged indiscipline in public institutions.
Ministry insists on due process
In her statement, Atwine reminded health professionals to uphold high standards of conduct and remain focused on providing quality and uninterrupted healthcare to Ugandans.
She emphasised that disciplinary matters must be handled in accordance with the applicable public service procedures rather than through arbitrary administrative decisions.
The Permanent Secretary also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to constructive engagement with health workers while maintaining accountability and ensuring quality patient care.
The statement did not detail whether any formal disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Candia or whether the ministry had conducted an investigation into the incident.
Medical association had condemned suspension
The clarification comes after the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) criticised the reported suspension and demanded its reversal.
UMA president Dr Frank Rubabinda Asiimwe argued that keeping one’s hands in one’s pockets while speaking to a minister did not, on its own, justify an immediate disciplinary sanction.
The association cited Article 42 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair treatment in administrative decisions, and the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders of 2021, which provide procedures for disciplinary control and investigations.
UMA also maintained that professional misconduct involving medical practitioners should be handled by the legally mandated authorities and through established processes.
Arua Hospital faces wider service delivery challenges
The dispute comes amid concerns about staffing shortages and pressure on services at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, a major public health facility serving the West Nile region and neighbouring communities.
On September 14, 2026, the hospital’s acting director, Dr Gilbert Aniku, told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that the facility was operating with only 23% of its approved staffing structure.
According to Parliament, the hospital serves a catchment population of approximately 2.5 million people, including refugees and people crossing Uganda’s borders. It handles about 130,000 outpatients and 22,000 inpatients annually.
The minister’s October 14 visit reportedly focused on concerns about patient care and staff availability, with local media reporting that she took action against several employees over alleged indiscipline, absenteeism and impersonation.
The Ministry of Health’s latest statement places the focus back on established disciplinary procedures and the need to balance accountability with fair treatment of health workers.
For now, the ministry says Candia remains at work, while questions surrounding the confrontation have renewed calls for professionalism and lawful administrative action in Uganda’s public health facilities.
