The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has warned nurses across the country to desist from acts of unprofessionalism for the best experience in their career.

Mrs Museveni was last week represented at the 7th graduation ceremony of Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing by Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the state minister for Primary Education.

The event that took place at the institution’s grounds on Makanga hill in Kabale municipality saw a total of 846 graduates awarded with diplomas and certificates in the various nursing fields.

In her remarks, the First Lady noted that with the increasing teenage pregnancies in the country, nurses who are not careful could be lured in acts of abortion and other illegal practices by some of the victims.

“You are coming out at a time when there is a lot of temptation for quick money. I want to caution you. Abortion is illegal according to the constitution. It is only when you do the right thing that you can get blessings from the Lord,” she said.

The minister also asked nurses to develop a good working relationship with patients for effective service delivery.

“You need to be competent enough to manage the patients under your care. I now want to challenge you to go to the next phase and embrace the market by applying the knowledge and skills you have acquired. You need to develop your competence to save lives by upholding medical ethics and integrity,” noted the first lady.

She also reiterated that her ministry will do all it takes to ensure that the recently re-opened schools do not exploit learners and parents by increasing their school fees unnecessarily.

“In every district, we have sent letters to the boards of governors, school management committees, and the district leadership. They should abide by the guideline of maintaining the status quo of things before the closure of schools. All school owners should follow this guideline of the ministry,” added the minister.

Speaking at the same function, Josephine Nambiro Kigozi, the principal of Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing, said that the institution which is marking 50 years of existence has had a great impact in the region and country despite lacking some necessities.

“The institution still needs a boost in our staffing to reduce the school wage bill, a structure to aid accommodation of learners and a school bus,” she said.

The institution’s Governing Council Chairperson, Dr. Sophie Namasopo, asked the graduating nurses to exhibit a great passion for their work in the course of their career.

“A nurse views nursing not as a job or task, but a service to ensure that the patient has the best quality of life possible. You are now responsible for your acts as stipulated in your code of ethics,” said Namasopo.