Kyabazinga calls for empathy-driven healthcare as graduates enter service

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The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, has urged newly graduated health professionals to prioritise empathy, integrity and preventive healthcare as they enter a medical landscape shaped by evolving global health threats.

The monarch made the remarks during the 6th graduation ceremony of the Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals at Busei village in Iganga district on May 30, 2026.

Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV (C) flanked by Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega (2nd L) as he was walking away from the graduation venue at Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals at Busei village in Iganga district on May 30th, 2026. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Addressing an audience of government officials, kingdom dignitaries, institutional heads, parents and graduates, the Kyabazinga emphasised that a medical qualification carries a profound social contract.

"Your qualification is not merely a certificate or diploma, but rather a responsibility—communities will look up to you for hope, healing, guidance, and comfort. Patients will trust you with their lives," the Kyabazinga said.

A call for professionalism and lifelong learning

The ceremony saw students graduate in various critical health disciplines, including nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, clinical medicine and laboratory sciences. The King awarded certificates and diplomas in various disciplines.

Acknowledging the rigorous training the graduates endured, the King, who is also the Chancellor of the institution, commended their resilience through demanding academic schedules and practical examinations.

From L-R: Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, the Executive Director of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals, Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV and Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs at the 6th graduation ceremony in Busei village in Iganga district on May 30th. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

However, he reminded them that graduation is not the destination, but the beginning of a continuous learning journey.

"Medical and health preparation is constantly evolving. New diseases emerge, technologies advance, and treatment approaches change. Continue learning, upgrading your skills, and most importantly, embracing innovation," he urged.

The King also advised the graduates not to fear humble beginnings, encouraging them to serve diligently, whether deployed to high-tech urban hospitals, private clinics or remote rural health centres.

Champions of preventive health

With the global health sector facing persistent challenges, ranging from maternal mortality and communicable diseases to rising mental health concerns, the Kyabazinga pressed the graduates to focus heavily on grassroots health education.

He challenged them to act as "ambassadors of preventive healthcare" by actively teaching communities about hygiene and proper nutrition; immunisation schedules; maternal health and mental wellness; and disease prevention strategies.

Some of the students jubilating while at the 6th graduation ceremony of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals at Busei village in Iganga district on May 30th, 2026. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

"A healthy nation begins with informed communities," the monarch noted.

Strengthening partnerships and education access

The Kyabazinga commended the institute’s leadership, particularly praising Prof. Muhammadi Lubega Kisambira, the executive director of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals.

Through a strong collaborative relationship spearheaded by the leadership and Prof. Lubega, who is also the first deputy prime minister of Busoga kingdom, the institute has expanded its Education Fund.

The fund has provided bursaries and scholarships worth millions of shillings to deserving students in the Busoga sub-region.

As Chancellor, the Kyabazinga called on the institute’s council and management to maintain this momentum by continuing to invest in modern research, practical training facilities and strategic partnerships that enhance educational quality.

Speaking at the same event, Prof. Lubega revealed that after a decade of existence, the institution is on the verge of transitioning into a fully fledged university.

"Born in 2016 with a population of only 60 students, today we have about 2,000 students from all over Uganda and beyond," Prof. Lubega noted.

He said, "We already secured our letter of interim authority, submitted our programmes, and by the grace of Allah, before the end of this year, we shall have a local University of Science and Technology."

Prof. Lubega also announced major international collaborations aimed at exposing Ugandan health professionals to global markets.

The institution has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shenyang Medical School in China for academic exchange and research.

Furthermore, in partnership with the Canadian Education Council, the first batch of affiliated graduates is expected to head to Germany by the end of June for graduate programmes, where they are slated to earn an annual salary of approximately €37,000 (sh188m).

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, commended Prof. Lubega for his visionary leadership in expanding quality education across Busoga, Uganda and neighbouring South Sudan, where the institution has established a sister branch in Juba.

Kadaga pledged government support to help the Juba branch secure its operational licences and expressed excitement over the institution’s upcoming elevation to university status.

She further noted that the Ministry of Health must prioritise specialised training to meet emerging gaps in healthcare delivery.

"There will be a crucial need to train nurses who are specifically equipped to handle special needs patients in our hospitals," Kadaga emphasised.

On regional development, Kadaga directed the chairperson of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus, Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo, to ensure that area Members of Parliament are strategically assigned to relevant parliamentary committees to advocate effectively for the region.

She also challenged MPs and local government leaders to strictly monitor the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to guarantee accountability and access for local beneficiaries.

Some of the graduates taking their oath as they were assisted by Hajati Safina Museene (R) the Commissioner of Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Prof. Lubega appealed to the First Deputy Prime Minister for government intervention regarding infrastructural constraints affecting the institution, specifically the rehabilitation of the key road connecting Iganga Municipal Council, Nakalama and Nawanyago sub-counties.

He noted that the institution has independently maintained the road for a decade despite paying significant taxes.

In her remarks, Safina Museene, the Commissioner of Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting private educational proprietors, who constitute the majority of training centres in the country.

"We treasure what private institutions do, and we are willing to work with them to provide the best cohesive environment for training Ugandans and students beyond our borders," Museene stated.

The executive secretary of the Uganda Health Professionals Assessment Board, Mukakalisa Hellen, highlighted the growing demand for nurses and allied health professionals amid rising communicable and non-communicable diseases.

She encouraged graduates to practise with humility, compassion and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The high-profile event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Second Deputy Mufti, Members of Parliament, LC5 chairpersons, representatives from the Uganda Health Professional Assessment Board, the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, and the Allied Health Professionals Council.