KAMPALA, Uganda– The Uganda Medical Laboratory Technology Professionals Association (UMLTA) has defended a principal at Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School, Moses Ibwala Ongwalu, after a student was discontinued due to pregnancy. The association stated Saturday that Ongwalu acted within existing legal frameworks.
The student, 25-year-old Namukisa Sarah, was discontinued from her studies, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion on social and mainstream media.
In a statement, UMLTA clarified that Section 2.9C of the 2023 Health Training Institutions’ Rules and Regulations stipulates that “Students found pregnant and reported to the administration shall be granted leave and shall report back after delivery and breastfeeding, for a period of six (6) months.”
UMLTA President Erick J. Okek said Ongwalu, a bona fide member of the association and a member of the Uganda Allied Health Professionals Council’s Medical Laboratory Technology Board, “operated within the existing legal framework governing school operations.”
The association emphasized that while training institution principals may not possess legal expertise, their role is to adhere to and implement laws. “Our role as medical laboratory professionals is to adhere to and implement these laws faithfully,” the statement read.
UMLTA urged the public to refrain from condemning Ongwalu’s actions, stating that such conduct could discourage public servants from fulfilling their duties. The association requested that no further disciplinary action be taken against their colleague.
The UMLTA also called upon the public and all stakeholders to allow the association to use its internal mechanisms to resolve the matter.
