Iganga: The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, has implored newly graduated healthcare professionals to champion preventive medicine and uphold the highest standards of professional integrity as they enter the medical field.
Kyabazinga, who also serves as the Chancellor of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals, made the remarks during the institution’s 6th graduation ceremony held at the campus in Iganga District recently.
A total of 600 students received certificates in Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, Laboratory techniques, and were commissioned by the Kyabazinga. Others were awarded Diplomas in Midwifery (Extension), in Nursing (Extension), in Laboratory Techniques (Direct and Extension) and in Pharmacy.
“Your qualification is not merely a certificate or diploma, but rather a responsibility, because communities will look up to you for hope, healing, guidance, and comfort. Remember, society expects you to uphold professional ethics and demonstrate excellence in your service. I therefore urge you to carry the values of professionalism, humility, honesty, and empathy wherever you go,” Kyabazinga told the graduates.
The monarch highlighted the rising global and national health threats, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, stressing that the role of trained health workers is more critical than ever.
He urged the graduates to become “ambassadors of preventive health care” by educating the public on hygiene, nutrition, immunization, and maternal health.
As Chancellor, the Kyabazinga commended the institute’s partnership with the Busoga Kingdom, spearheaded by Busoga Kingdom’s First Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, which has extended millions of shillings in bursaries and scholarships to needy students under the Education Fund.
Speaking at the same event, the Executive Director of the Institute, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Lubega, revealed that after a decade of existence, the institution is on the verge of transitioning into a fully-fledged university.
“Born in 2016 with a population of only 60 students, today we have about 2,000 students from all over Uganda and beyond,” Prof. Lubega noted.
He said “We already secured our letter of interim authority, submitted our programs, and by the grace of Allah, before the end of this year, we shall have a local University of Science and Technology.”
Prof. Lubega also announced major international collaborations aimed at exposing Ugandan health professionals to global markets.
The institution has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shenyang Medical School in China for academic exchange and research.
Furthermore, in partnership with the Canada Education Council, the first batch of affiliated graduates is expected to head to Germany by the end of June for graduate programs, where they are slated to earn an annual salary of approximately €37,000.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, commended Prof. Lubega for his visionary leadership in expanding quality education across Busoga, Uganda, and neighboring South Sudan, where the institution has established a sister branch in Juba.
Kadaga pledged government support to help the Juba branch secure its operational licenses and expressed excitement over the institution’s upcoming elevation to university status.
She further noted that the Ministry of Health must prioritize specialized training to meet emerging gaps in healthcare delivery.
“There will be a crucial need to train nurses who are specifically equipped to handle special needs patients in our hospitals,” Kadaga emphasized.
On regional development, Kadaga directed the Chairperson of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus, Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo, to ensure that area Members of Parliament are strategically assigned to relevant parliamentary committees to advocate effectively for the region.
She also challenged MPs and local government leaders to strictly monitor the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to guarantee full accountability and access for local beneficiaries.
Prof. Lubega used the platform to appeal to the First Deputy Prime Minister for government intervention regarding the infrastructural constraints affecting the institution, specifically the rehabilitation of the key road connecting Iganga Municipal Council, Nakalama, and Nawanyago sub-counties.
He noted that the institution has independently maintained the road for a decade despite paying significant taxes.
In her remarks, Hajati Safina Museene, the Commissioner of Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting private educational proprietors, who constitute the majority of training centers in the country.
“We treasure what private institutions do, and we are willing to work with them to provide the best cohesive environment for training Ugandans and students beyond our borders,” Museene stated.
The Executive Secretary of the Uganda Health Professionals Assessment Board, Mukakalisa Hellen highlighted the growing demand for nurses and allied health professionals amid rising communicable and non-communicable diseases.
She encouraged graduates to practice with humility, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The ceremony, which concluded with a celebratory atmosphere, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the 2nd Deputy Mufti of Uganda Dr. Hafith Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, the Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Sharifah Buzeki, the Isabalangira of Busoga Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu, Royal chiefs, Ministers of OBB, religious leaders, Yusuf Mpoza from London and Members of Parliament who included Stephen Kissa who is also chairperson Busoga Parliamentary Caucus, Annet Nabirye, Jamal Ayagalaki, Nankwanga Stella Maris, Namatende Eunice, Martin Muzaale, Kungu Samuel, Peace Tibyaze, Wandera Sadala, Mariam Seif, Mastulah Namatovu, Saleh Mpata and John Bagoole.
