Ogwang challenges nurses to break free from govt job dependence
Ogwang, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ngariam County in Katakwi district, said nursing and midwifery are professions that demand commitment, accuracy and responsibility because mistakes can have serious consequences for patients.
Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery graduands celebrating after being passed as graduates. (Credit: Rwambuka Mugisha)
NTUNGAMO - Sports state minister Peter Ogwang has urged newly graduated nurses and midwives from Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery to look beyond formal government employment and create opportunities for themselves.
Ogwang congratulated the 432 graduates and encouraged them to uphold professional standards, prioritise quality patient care and explore employment opportunities beyond government institutions.
The minister was speaking during the fourth graduation ceremony of Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery at the college's graduation grounds at Nyarutuntu campus in Ruhaama County, Ntungamo district, where he represented the acting Minister of Education and Sports, Chrysostom Muyingo, as the guest of honour.
The graduates received certificates and diplomas at a ceremony attended by government leaders, parents, stakeholders and other guests.
Ogwang, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ngariam County in Katakwi district, said nursing and midwifery are professions that demand commitment, accuracy and responsibility because mistakes can have serious consequences for patients.
He urged the graduates to take their training seriously and maintain high professional standards throughout their careers, dismissing what he described as misconceptions in communities that portray nursing and midwifery as professions for failures.
The minister also challenged the graduates to leave their comfort zones, pursue higher goals and explore available opportunities instead of remaining at home waiting for government jobs.
He urged parents to continue investing in their children's education and encouraged the graduates to embrace sacrifice and avoid becoming comfortable after completing their training.
During the ceremony, Ogwang also commissioned a new classroom block and a 70-seater bus for the institution.
The new facilities are expected to improve the college's learning environment and transportation as it continues training health workers.
Principal Wilber Tukamuhabwa with his young daughter on graduation day. (Credit: Rwambuka Mugisha)
However, the college still faces challenges that could affect its operations and expansion.
The institution's principal, Wilber Tukamuhabwa, said the college is facing water shortages and needs a standby generator and additional accommodation, including a storeyed hostel for female students.
Tukamuhabwa also raised concern over understaffing, saying the institution has a significant human resource gap that affects its ability to operate effectively.
“This leads to a staffing gap of 73 percent, and we therefore request this so that we are able to run the institution properly,” he said.
He, however, noted that the available staff are well trained, with several undertaking further academic upgrading to strengthen the institution's academic performance.
In response, Ogwang said the concerns raised by the college principal would be addressed and prioritised, particularly the challenges of water supply and human resources.
Beatrice Rwakimari Karagirwe, the Ruhaama County Member of Parliament, also commended the Ministry of Education and Sports, led by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, for the support extended to Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery in her constituency.
Rwakimari made the remarks during the institution's fourth graduation ceremony, where 432 health workers graduated in nursing and midwifery courses.
She, however, highlighted the need for improved water supply, reliable electricity and additional staff to support effective learning and service delivery at the institution.
The MP also raised concern over the shortage of social service facilities in Ruhaama County, revealing that only four of the county's nine sub-counties have secondary schools.
She called for increased investment in secondary schools, health facilities and primary schools to ensure that communities across all parishes in Ruhaama have better access to essential services.
Ntungamo LC5 chairman Sam Muchunguzi thanked the NRM government for establishing Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery, saying the institution has contributed to the development of the area by creating employment and equipping learners with health knowledge and skills.
He also commended Principal Tukamuhabwa and his team for their work and pledged to support them in the development of the institution.
Dennis Singahache, the former district chairman, was also hailed for introducing the idea of establishing a health training institute to the district council during his tenure, which later became Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery.
The graduation was attended by, among others, Safinah Kisu Museene, the commissioner for health education training (HET) in the Ministry of Education and Sports; Dr Innocent Twesiime, the chairman of the institution's governing council; Ntungamo Municipality mayor Jacob Kafureka; district councillors and institute stakeholders.