Higher learning institutions urged acquire titles

PIC: Students of the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Science- Mulago (UIAHMS) taking oarth at the graduation ceremony on Friday at the institution grounds on Friday. (Credit: Juliet Waiswa)

EDUCATION

KAMPALA - The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) has directed higher learning Institutions to acquire titles for their land in order to protect their property.

The permanent secretary MoES, Alex Kakoza, said in most cases, development partners need to be sure of ownership of land before they inject in funds for any projects.

"The country has issues of land and as MoES, we have had problems with institutional land. This is why we are encouraging all Institutions to get titles in their names, this is the only way we will ensure that land belongs to a particular institution,'' Kakoza said

He assured parents and guardians who had turned up for the 10th graduation ceremony of the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Science - Mulago (UIAHMS) that his ministry will work closely with the health ministry to ensure that they get their title deed.

Kakoza appealed to the graduands to serve the public diligently as the profession requires of them.

"Go and serve the country. Have the right attitude and this will help you serve the patients with respect," he said.

The principal of UIAHMS, Alfred Otim, outlined the challenges of the institution, which included having few staff despite the growing demand of students. At the moment the UIAHMS has about 1,801 registered students.

"We have only 37 % of the required teaching staff. If we are to produce quality professionals, we need more tutors,'' Otim said.

He also said the institute lacks training equipment, especially under the dentistry department and accommodation for female students, adding that only 350 female students can be accommodated.

A total 418 students graduated in several disciplines which include medical laboratory technology, environmental health science, pharmacy, orthopaedics, anaesthesia and dental technology.

Others were ear, nose and throat, medical entomology and parasitology, public health, dental technology, physiotherapy and clinical and community nutrition, among others.