Ministry of Health has threatened to take actions against medical officers that are allegedly involved in forced circumcision of babies in the country.

The warning was sounded by State Minister for Health – General Duties, Sarah Opendi while responding to concerns raised by West Budama North Member of Parliament, Richard Othieno Okoth last week.

Okello told the house that he had received several complaints from parents that they have been forced to have their male babies circumcised especially in Busolwe Hospital in Butaleja District.

In response, the Minister said the medical personnel who are involved in such acts are involving in an illegality and could be held liable individually.

“According to the Safe Male Circumcision Policy, 2010, Medical male circumcision should be promoted and is available for all age groups. In Uganda, circumcision in males below 18 years is carried out after written consent is obtained from the parents, guardians or caretakers while in males above 18 years, a written consent is sought from the individual before the procedure,” Opendi said.

Opendi said only two circumcisions based on clinical diagnosis were carried out on babies aged two years and below in Busolwe hospital and since then no other has occurred according to the records obtained from the Hospital.

“The clinical diagnosis stated that both children had a condition known as Phimosis. This condition occurs when a male baby is born with the foreskin closed resulting in difficulty or painful urination and increased risk to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs),” Opendi explained.

“I therefore request the Hon Member to provide details of the children and their parents so that we can follow these cases up and take the necessary action against the staff after ascertaining the truth.”

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision also known as Safe Male Circumcision is the surgical removal of foreskin of the penis, a practice that is undertaken for medical, religious or cultural purposes.