Nursing schools ask for waiver on costly training equipment
Sulaiman Lule, the executive director of Leura School of Nursing and Midwifery, observed that equipment required for the training of nurses and midwives is mostly imported at a high cost, which leads to higher tuition fees
Nursing students take their oath during the third Leura School of Nursing and Midwifery graduation. (Photo by Charles Kakamwa)
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Leaders of private nursing and midwifery institutes have asked the government to reduce or waive taxes on equipment used in medical training.
Sulaiman Lule, the executive director of Leura School of Nursing and Midwifery, observed that equipment required for the training of nurses and midwives is mostly imported at a high cost, which leads to higher tuition fees and affects students from humble backgrounds.
Speaking during the third graduation ceremony at the school’s campus in Ibulanku, Bugweri district, on October 11, 2025, Lule cited simulators (such as dolls used for training nurses and midwives), which are imported at a cost of sh30 million each.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Isanga Nakadama (middle) poses for a photo with other guests, staff and students of Leura School of Nursing and Midwifery graduation. (Photo by Charles Kakamwa)
“I request the government to reduce taxes or totally remove any taxation on medical training tools to enable us acquire them easily. This will allow us give a service to the trainees at a cost affordable to all,” he urged.
During the ceremony, at which 361 students were awarded certificates and diplomas in nursing and midwifery, Lule also announced the institute’s plans to introduce new training programmes.
These, he said, include mental health, home-based care, and critical care nursing, adding that they are part of the institute’s commitment to addressing the country’s evolving health challenges.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Isanga Nakadama, who represented Parliament Speaker Anita Among as guest of honour, commended the institute’s leadership for its contribution to Uganda’s health sector.
She also noted the need to continue expanding the school’s training capacity, strengthening community outreach programmes, and exploring partnerships to enhance opportunities for learners.
“The nation depends on institutions like yours to fill the critical gaps in healthcare and service delivery standards,” she noted.
Nakadama, who is also the woman MP for Mayuge district, asked the graduates to uphold ethical conduct while handling patients.
“Remember that nursing and midwifery are not just ordinary professions, but they are missions of mercy, please be the light in the hospital wards, the hope for those who are suffering and comfort those in pain. Let your hands heal and may your hearts remain humble,” she said.
She also advised that as the world changes rapidly with new technologies, new diseases, and new challenges, students must always endeavour to upgrade their skills to manage them effectively.
Racheal Kirabo, who graduated with a certificate in nursing, said she was glad to serve in a field that deals with saving lives and helping those in need. “I would like to ask parents not to discourage their children from joining the medical field because it is essential to human life,” she said.
At the ceremony, Nakadama commissioned a multipurpose hall constructed at the institute.