First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni has praised students, staff and partners of the Mulago School of Health Sciences, saying Uganda’s progress in health-care delivery depends on a skilled and ethical workforce.
Her message, delivered by State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo during the 17th graduation ceremony of the Uganda Institute of Allied and Management Science-Mulago, reaffirmed government commitment to strengthening health-training institutions.
Ms Museveni said the graduates’ success reflected the sacrifices of parents, the dedication of lecturers and the resilience of learners who continue to choose health service as a national calling.
‘Each graduand stands as proof that the training offered here meets national standards and responds to the health-care needs of our nation. This is what the public expects from you,’ she said, adding that the progress achieved reflects Uganda’s long-term investment in health education.
She noted that modern, well-equipped learning environments were essential for producing health workers capable of meeting complex demands, describing the groundbreaking of a new classroom block and administration building as a major step toward expanding Mulago’s training capacity.
‘A modern and conducive learning environment is essential for producing competent allied health professionals,’ she said.
She also praised President Kaguta Museveni’s leadership for prioritising stability, peace and national empowerment.
UIAHMS Principal Rose Nassali highlighted the institution’s growth into a centre of excellence serving 3,725 learners across five academic departments.
She said Mulago now operates at a dual and distinctive status within Uganda’s TVET landscape, a shift driven by institutional reform, improved governance and sustained investment.
‘This new dispensation has opened doors to greater innovation, stronger governance and expanded opportunities for the learners we serve,’ she said.
Nassali reaffirmed the school’s mandate as a National TVET Health Training provider but raised concern over staffing shortages.
She said Mulago’s substantive staffing stands at only 13 percent despite government recruitment and promotions.
‘We have 77 staff members supported through Governing Council appointments, but this remains far below what is required for an institution of this size and mandate,’ she said, appealing for additional deployment and praising existing staff for ‘exceptional teamwork and dedication.’
Commissioner for Health Education and Training Hajati Safina Musene said the planned classroom block would expand learning space, research opportunities and skills laboratories.
‘The classroom block we plan to construct gives us hope that we will soon have adequate classrooms, administrative facilities and skills laboratories to support research, innovation and practical excellence,’ she said.
Musene noted that hostel space remains insufficient despite government interventions, adding: ‘The facilities we have are not yet enough, but we pray that with time, accommodation will be adequate for the over 5,000 students who want to join this institution and reside here.’
Urging graduates to uphold professionalism, she said: ‘Serve our clients-both healthy and not healthy-with dignity, pride and excellence. They are the reason we train you.’