Soroti Nursing School graduates told to fight corruption, absenteeism in health sector

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A strong message against corruption, absenteeism and negligence in Uganda’s health sector dominated the 8th graduation ceremony of Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing, as leaders urged newly qualified nurses and midwives to uphold professionalism, compassion and discipline while serving communities.

A total of 623 students graduated during the ceremony held at the school premises in Soroti City on Friday, marking the institution’s latest contribution to Uganda’s growing health workforce at a time when the country continues to face challenges in healthcare delivery.

The graduates, drawn from different programmes between 2023 and 2025, were reminded that the future of Uganda’s health system rests heavily on their integrity, dedication and willingness to serve patients with humanity.

One of the best students awarded a certificate. (Credit: Juliet Akello)

Graduates show happiness. (Credit: Juliet Akello)

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Safina Kisu Museene, the Commissioner for Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, described graduation as the beginning of a new journey of responsibility and sacrifice.

She said the government remains committed to strengthening health education and fighting poverty through improved training of health professionals, noting that the country still needs disciplined nurses and midwives capable of reducing maternal and infant deaths.

“We need health professionals who can work as a team and maintain professionalism while serving communities,” Museene said.

She advised the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and present themselves as caring professionals chosen to serve humanity.

Museene also raised concern over absenteeism among some health workers in the country, warning the graduates against abandoning duty stations after deployment.

“Some health workers are absent when they are supposed to be on duty. Be available for your patients and remain committed to your work because it is only you who can manage your future,” she advised.

Her message comes at a time when government health facilities across the country continue to struggle with complaints of delayed services, unattended patients and health workers missing from duty stations.

Dr Benedicto Watmon, the chairperson of the institution’s governing council, challenged the graduates to protect the reputation built by the school since its establishment in 1970.

“As you join the health sector, offer services diligently, professionally and with love. You are ambassadors of this institution wherever you go,” Watmon said.

He urged them to emulate the values of their mentors and alumni by upholding discipline, humility and moral conduct while handling patients.

The principal of the school, Francis Itomet, asked the graduates to reflect on their academic journey and carefully plan the next steps in their professional lives.

“This achievement should inspire you to think bigger and continue improving yourselves as professionals,” Itomet said.

Soroti City Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut also praised the institution, saying it has continued to produce disciplined health workers despite challenges facing the sector.

“I have not found criminality in this institution. Instead, they are victims of circumstances,” Okurut said.

He challenged the graduates, especially those joining private health facilities, to adopt President Museveni’s slogan of “no sleep, no corruption” while executing their duties.

“Even during night duty, ensure that you remain alert and committed to your work,” he added.

Soroti District LCV chairperson Bob Owiny encouraged the graduates to remain hopeful, revealing that government plans to upgrade Atirir Health Centre to a district hospital while lower health units are also expected to be elevated to Health Centre III status, a move likely to create more employment opportunities for health workers.

The ceremony was marked by excitement and celebration among graduates and parents who described the achievement as a reward for years of sacrifice and perseverance.

One of the graduates, Esther Judith Acipa, said completing the course was not easy but credited God for helping her finish successfully.

Parents also called upon the graduates to serve patients with kindness and patience.

Samuel Okiror, a parent, urged the newly qualified nurses and midwives to avoid harsh treatment of patients.

“They should show love to patients instead of shouting at them,” he said.

As Uganda continues to battle gaps in healthcare service delivery, leaders at the graduation stressed that professionalism, honesty and compassion among health workers will remain critical in restoring public confidence in the country’s health system.