Pallisa, Uganda: Agule Institute of Health Sciences and Management has recorded a 98 per cent pass rate in the latest national examinations for nursing, midwifery and laboratory students, triggering celebrations among learners and staff following the official release of results by the Uganda Health Professionals Assessment Board.
Excitement filled the institution for hours as students celebrated the impressive performance shortly after the results were announced on Friday.
The national examination results were released by Uganda Health Professionals Assessment Board (UHPAB) Executive Director Hellen Mukakalisa, together with Commissioner for Health Training Institutions Safina Musene.
At Agule Institute, the results were officially presented by the institution’s registrar Mr Fred Wekona, who revealed that the majority of the candidates had passed successfully.
“Overall performance was very good. Nursing students performed best, followed by midwifery and then laboratory technology,” Wekona said during a press briefing at the institution.
He revealed that 26 students scored distinctions, while 38 candidates will have to retake some papers.
“This outcome explains the excitement you have witnessed today. There is great improvement in performance compared to previous years, and for those who have retakes we shall guide them so they can achieve their dream of serving the community as health professionals,” Wekona added.
MP Ochwa Pledges Bursaries for Top Students
The Member of Parliament for Agule County and Executive Director of the institute, Hon. David Ochwa, congratulated the students for the strong performance, saying the results reflected both dedication from learners and commitment from the teaching staff.
“You have proved that the money your parents invested in your education has not been wasted. The passion of the teachers in mentoring and guiding you has translated into these good results,” Ochwa said.
He pledged to support top-performing students with bursaries to pursue diploma-level training, noting that the institution is keen on nurturing future health professionals.
“For those who scored distinctions, I will consult with the board so that they are considered for bursaries. Personally, I will sponsor the Guild President, Masaba Godwin Wakube, because of his outstanding performance,” Ochwa announced.
He explained that Wakube had successfully balanced leadership responsibilities and academic work. “This young man managed both administration and studies excellently. I will pay for his tuition for the diploma programme and later retain him to teach at this institution,” he said.
Ochwa also pledged similar support to another outstanding student, Martha Akwii, encouraging them to pursue further professional training.
Reflecting on the growth of the institution, Ochwa said Agule Institute had expanded significantly since its establishment. “When we started in 2013, we had only 80 students. Today we have about 1,200 students. That is a great achievement and a sign that the institution is growing steadily,” he said.
He also thanked the Ministry of Education and Sports for supporting health training institutions, noting that students from different parts of the country are now studying at Agule. “The minister has done a commendable job in strengthening the education sector. At one time, over 300 students from Karamoja came here to train,” he said.
Students Attribute Success to Teamwork
Some of the top-performing students credited their success to teamwork and dedication from instructors. Martha Akwii, the best nursing student in Set 19 from Kumi District, said group discussions played a key role in their academic success.
“I am extremely happy not only because I performed well but also because all members of my group passed. That is a great achievement for us and for our parents,” Akwii said.
Daniel Longwee, a student from Kaabong District, thanked MP Ochwa for supporting him during difficult times. “I am an orphan, but Hon. Ochwa stood with me throughout my studies. Sometimes I even lacked transport to travel back home, but the school supported me,” he said.
Another student, Peace Brenda from Arua City, said she was proud of travelling from West Nile to study at Agule Institute. “I came all the way from the Uganda–DR Congo border region to Pallisa. I do not regret that decision because my performance will help market this institution in West Nile,” she said.
Local leaders also praised the institution for its economic impact on the community. Peter Opio, the district councillor for Kameke Sub-county, said the institute has created employment and expanded economic opportunities in Agule.
“This is one of the most important investments in Agule County. The institution has created jobs, boosted local trade and made Agule known across the country,” Opio said.
He noted that the school consumes about 250 kilograms of posho daily, creating a ready market for agricultural produce. “I encourage the community to take advantage of this opportunity by growing maize and beans because there is a guaranteed market,” he said.
A resident of Akisim Sub-county, Peter Amonyet, also praised Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot for supporting students through sponsorship programmes in partnership with the institution.
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