By Donald Kiirya
IGANGA – 376 students have graduated from the Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals in Busei village, Nakalama sub-county in Iganga district.
The students received certificates in Nursing, Midwifery, pharmacy, laboratory techniques, records and information management.
The grandaunts were commissioned by the Kyabazinga of Busoga and Chancellor of the institute, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, at their third graduation ceremony in Iganga.
The Kyabazinga, who arrived at the institute while clad in a navy blue suit was welcomed by Busoga Kingdom’s prime minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, who was accompanied by Busoga Kingdom’s first deputy prime minister Prof. Dr Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, who is also the Executive Director and proprietor of the Institute.
The first deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, graced the graduation.
In his speech, Kyabazinga commended Prof. Dr. Lubega for creating the institute and being a professional academic promoter as well as an investor who has contributed to the education sector of Busoga sub-region and Uganda as a whole.
The Kyabazinga also lauded the cordial partnership between the institute and Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga, which resulted in giving bursaries to children in Busoga.
He said that there is still a shortage of health workers in Uganda, adding that the Country needs more health workers to provide better healthcare services by treating the sick in communities.
The Kyabazinga was impressed to note various developments at the institute and added that this will call for more introduction of other courses in future so that the institute gets more students at degree level.
He appreciated parents and guardians for their effort in educating their children and urged graduates to further their studies and get diploma and degree awards.
In her remarks, Kadaga described the efforts of Prof. Lubega, as a commitment to improved health standards and job creation in Busoga Sub-Region.
The Executive Director and proprietor of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals, Prof. Dr Lubega, said the institute offers courses in medical, business and vocational education at certificate and diploma levels.
He revealed that they plan, over the next few years, to introduce certificates, diploma and degree courses in special areas like palliative care, geriatric, trauma, family bedside nursing, public health, health education and training among others.
Agnes Wadda, a principal Public Relations Officer at the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board (UNMEB) called upon the graduates to continue observing the code of ethics for nurses and midwives in the Country.
Robert Aliker, the examinations officer at the Uganda Allied Health Professionals Examination Board (UAHEB), urged graduates to use their graduation as a stepping stone to upgrade to other levels instead of going back to their communities and folding their hands.
Bernard Hanaba, the principal of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals said a total of 376 students graduated in various disciplines which included 193 in Nursing, 83 in Midwifery, 41 in medical laboratory techniques, 40 in pharmacy and 19 in records and Information management.
