IGANGA, Uganda: The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, has urged graduates of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals to uphold integrity, compassion and professionalism as they embark on careers in the healthcare sector.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the institution’s 6th graduation ceremony held at its Busei campus in Iganga District on Saturday, the Kyabazinga reminded the graduates that healthcare is a calling centred on service to humanity.
“You are stepping into a noble profession that demands knowledge, integrity, compassion and serving humanity. Your qualification is not merely a certificate or diploma but rather a responsibility because communities will look up to you for hope, healing and comfort,” the Kyabazinga said.
The Busoga monarch, who also serves as Chancellor of the institute, addressed more than 600 graduates from various nursing and health-related disciplines, urging them to carry the values of humility, honesty, empathy and professionalism wherever they serve.
He emphasized that their conduct should reflect the quality of education and training they received during their studies.
Embrace Lifelong Learning
The Kyabazinga reminded graduates that learning does not end with graduation, especially in the rapidly evolving health sector where new diseases, technologies and treatment methods continue to emerge.
“Dear graduates, as you leave this institution today, remember learning doesn’t end at graduation. The medical and health profession is constantly evolving. New diseases emerge, technology advances and treatment approaches change. Continue learning, upgrading your skills and most importantly embracing innovation,” he said.
He also challenged the graduates to become ambassadors of preventive healthcare by promoting hygiene, nutrition, immunization, maternal health, mental wellness and disease prevention within their communities.
“A healthy nation begins with informed communities,” the Kyabazinga noted.
Institute Marks Growth Journey
The Executive Director of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals, Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, praised staff, partners and stakeholders for supporting the institution’s growth over the years.
Prof. Lubega revealed that the institution, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year, started with fewer than 100 students and has now grown to a student population of more than 2,000.
He also announced plans to deepen international collaboration through a partnership with Shenyang Medical School in China.
According to Prof. Lubega, the collaboration will focus on student and lecturer exchanges, research partnerships and academic development. “We shall be travelling early next month to sign the memorandum of understanding,” he said.
The educationist also commended First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga for her continued support to the institution and appealed for government intervention to upgrade and tarmac the access road leading to the campus.
Kadaga Pledges Support
Speaking at the ceremony, Kadaga pledged support for the institution’s ambitions to attain university status.
She also urged leaders from Busoga to position themselves strategically within Parliament and government structures to advocate for equitable resource allocation to the sub-region.
Kadaga further called upon local leaders to closely monitor the implementation of government wealth-creation programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM). “Some programmes are being crippled by leaders,” she said, urging local authorities to ensure resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Graduates Urged to Serve with Compassion
The Executive Secretary of the Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UHPAB), Hellen Mukakarisa Kataratambi, encouraged graduates to utilize the skills acquired during training to positively impact communities.
In a message delivered on her behalf by a board official, Mukakarisa emphasized the importance of soft skills in healthcare delivery.
She urged graduates to practice gentleness, patience, humility and compassion, noting that emotional and psychological support are essential components of healing.
The Commissioner for Health Training Institutions at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Safina Museene, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing service to humanity and the critical role played by private health training institutions in Uganda’s healthcare system.
The graduation ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki, High Court Judge David Batema, Members of Parliament, local government leaders, religious leaders and representatives from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
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