Gulu City, Uganda: A total of 579 students Friday graduated in various medical disciplines from St. Mary’s Lacor Hospital Health Training Institute during a colorful ceremony held in Gulu City.
Prof. George L. Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, who presided over the Institute’s 6th graduation ceremony hailed the strong partnership between the university and Lacor Hospital as a critical force in advancing healthcare education and services in Northern Uganda.
“I am truly grateful for the cordial, mutual, and strong relationship between Gulu University and Lacor Hospital. This partnership is vital in advancing healthcare education and services in Northern Uganda and beyond,” Prof. Openjuru said.
He further urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning in the ever-changing medical profession, encouraging them to pursue advanced qualifications at Gulu University.
The Vice Chancellor also pledged to support Lacor Hospital’s efforts to introduce Bachelor’s degree programs in Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, describing the step as necessary to strengthen Uganda’s health workforce.
In a homily, Rev. Fr. Martin Agwee, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Gulu, challenged the graduates to practice their profession with compassion, integrity, and empathy.
“A health worker without love and kindness can become a burden to an already vulnerable community. Our population in Northern Uganda is suffering. Poverty has worsened health conditions, leading to illnesses such as depression, malnutrition, cancer, TB, and HIV/AIDS. The community needs you now more than ever,” Fr. Agwee said.
The Principal of the Institute, Mrs. Betty Justine Anyiri, reminded the graduates to uphold discipline, empathy, critical thinking, and integrity, warning against using academic achievements solely for titles or material gain.
Of the 579 graduates, 374 were female and 205 male, covering the academic period from December 2022 to September 2025.
The breakdown of graduation statistics:
- Diploma in Nursing – 65
- Diploma in Midwifery – 30 (female only)
- Certificate in Nursing – 212
- Certificate in Midwifery – 141 (female only)
- Certificate in Medical Theatre Techniques – 42
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology – 25
- Certificate in Medical Laboratory Techniques – 64
The ceremony also paid tribute to one graduate who passed away shortly after completing her course.
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