This article was first published in the New Vision on May 5, 2021
Uganda is making inroads in improving higher education and we need to be proud of that. We have made great strides in terms of lecturers and tutors recruitment, remuneration and the development of infrastructure in higher education, with the support of taxpayers and donors.
We do not take this for granted and we appreciate.
We are also, however, putting extra attention on the growth and development of health training institutions around the country. Even for the students who do not make it to the university, they need to be assisted in the available tertiary institutions in the country.
This is occasioned by the fact that millions of students who start Primary One, never make it to the university. This means that we must have a strong business, technical and vocational education system (BTVET), to cover the students who fall off the way before they get the first bachelor’s degree.
However, there should also be a growing strong linkage between the tertiary education institutions and the universities.
The country has had the BTVET sector for decades. We are, however, nowadays paying a lot of attention to the development of skills and career paths, that account for some of the issues troubling our country.
This will be done at the university and all higher institutions of learning. We need to also support universities to meet the training of all students, at different academic levels, meet the needs of their students, but, most importantly, produce students who meet the demands of the 21st century, in Uganda and abroad.
Allow me address all the health training institutions in the country.
I have been to various institutions and most of them are grappling with the same old problems.
Last week, I had the privilege to be at the 7th Graduation Ceremony for Gulu College of Health Sciences and I could see that they are still grappling with the same issues.
I am aware of the constraints the institution is experiencing, such as inadequate funding and the growing number of students with limited infrastructure. I want to assure you that the education ministry is committed to supporting this and all other health training institutions to get the necessary facilities required for appropriate training of health professionals.
We will continue to do all we can within the resources we have and seek support from our partners.
I am aware that one of the biggest challenges they have had to suffer is staffing of the institution. This is a problem which primary and secondary schools are also grappling with, especially when it comes to science teachers.
We understand that apart from the wage bill limitations, we can also hardly get well trained and experienced teachers.
The good news I have for you is that the education ministry has recently recruited a number of staff for the health training institutions and is considering recruiting even more in the coming months.
This is a great step, towards ensuring that we meet our dreams and aspirations. You should be able to close the staffing gaps in the near future.
I am also aware that many of the health training institutions have had issues with the land they occupy. I am happy to report that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, comprised of all stakeholders related to this issue, met and agreed to promote a healthy and harmonious working relationship between the health and education ministries.
We have agreed to process memoranda of understanding between schools and hospitals to streamline their harmonious co-existence, because they need each other.
I thank the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, for this initiative. It has greatly improved the two ministries’ working relations.
With time, it should be possible for the health training institutions to process titles for the land that they occupy. We hope that heads of institutions will take advantage of this harmonious working relationship, for the betterment of our country.
To the students, I congratulate all of you who have graduated or intend to graduate from these health institutions this year.
You have acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes, while in this institution.
I urge you to please get out there and make a positive change in the health indicators of this country, and beyond, as you put what you have learnt to use.
People out there are eagerly waiting for your service, please serve with humility and passion.
Please avoid the vices of late coming and absenteeism, among others and serve with all due diligence as your oath requires of you.
I must remind you that COVID-19 is still here and we must keep safe. All teachers and tutors are reminded to go for vaccination so that you keep safe and save those around you.
We need all of you and your country Uganda needs you.
Ministries Partner
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, comprised of all stakeholders related to this issue, met and agreed to promote a healthy and harmonious working relationship between the health and education ministries.
We have agreed to process memoranda of understanding between schools and hospitals to streamline their harmonious co-existence, because they need each other.
The writer is the State Minister for Higher Education and Member of Parliament for Bamunanika County, Luwero
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