“Let honesty, accountability and excellence guide every decision you make,” he said. “Those who will serve in rural and underserved communities should know that their work is of great value. Sometimes the greatest impact is made where the need is greatest.”
Newly qualified health professionals have been challenged to embrace patriotism, innovation and ethical practice as they begin their careers, with experts urging them to use their knowledge and skills to transform communities through quality healthcare.
Speaking during the 6th Graduation Ceremony of St. Elizabeth’s Institutes in Mukono, the Director of the National Chemotherapeutics Research Institute, Dr. Grace Nambatya, challenged the graduates to embrace artificial intelligence and innovation to strengthen medical research and create employment opportunities.
“That is the only way you will stand out and become job creators instead of job seekers,” Dr. Nambatya said. “It is worrying to see fresh graduates joining the long queue of people looking for jobs, including health professionals.”
Dr. Nambatya, who revealed that she is preparing to retire after serving at the institute since 2004, said retirement would not mark the end of her contribution to national development.
“I will remain useful to my country even after retirement,” she said.
The retired Bishop of Mukono Diocese and Chancellor of Avance International University, Bishop James William Ssebaggala, who presided over the graduation ceremony, urged the graduates to remain faithful to the ethical standards of their profession despite the challenges they are likely to encounter.
“You will face long working hours, limited resources, difficult decisions and moments of discouragement,” Bishop Ssebaggala said. “During such times, remember why you chose this profession. Every life you touch matters, and every patient deserves dignity, respect and hope.”
He cautioned them against corruption and dishonesty, noting that professional integrity takes years to build but can be destroyed within moments.
“Let honesty, accountability and excellence guide every decision you make,” he said. “Those who will serve in rural and underserved communities should know that their work is of great value. Sometimes the greatest impact is made where the need is greatest.”
The guest speaker, retired nurse Sr. Tezrah Ssebaggala, described quality training as the foundation for building healthy, productive and prosperous communities, saying graduates have a critical role in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system.
She congratulated the institution on reaching another milestone and commended its management for producing competent health professionals equipped to respond to the country’s evolving healthcare needs.
A total of 261 students where 131 were males, graduated with certificates and diplomas in Medical Laboratory Techniques, Pharmacy, Clinical Medicine, and Nursing and Midwifery.
“Graduation is not merely the end of a course; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, professionalism and dedication to humanity,” Sr. Tezrah said, referring to the ceremony’s theme, Transforming Communities through Quality Training.
She observed that Uganda’s health sector continues to face challenges arising from rapid population growth, changing disease patterns, technological advancements and increasing demand for quality healthcare services.
“These challenges require professionals who are competent, compassionate and adaptable,” she said, urging the graduates to uphold professional ethics, continuously upgrade their knowledge, embrace teamwork and innovation, and always place patients and communities at the centre of their work.
“Success is not measured by the papers you hold but by the lives you touch,” she added. “Serve with humility, integrity and compassion.”
Director of St. Elizabeth’s Institutes, Counsel Raymond Paul Ssebaggala, said the institution has experienced remarkable growth since opening 22 years ago with only four students.
“We started with only four students, but over the past 22 years, hundreds have graduated from this institution and are now serving Uganda, the East African region and other parts of the world,” Ssebaggala said.
He noted that many former graduates who initially obtained certificates and diplomas have since upgraded their qualifications and are now medical doctors.
Elisha Birikire, Manager for Registration, Licensing and Training at the Allied Health Professionals Council, urged the graduates to register with their respective professional councils before beginning professional practice.
The colourful ceremony was attended by the heads of the Ffumbe and Ngeye clans, Omutaka Walusimbi Yusuf Mbirozankya and Omutaka Kasujja Kyesimba Kakande Sheba, respectively, alongside members of the institution’s Governing Council, management, staff, parents, guardians and other invited guests.
During the event, Omutaka Walusimbi officiated at the opening of the four-storeyed Elizabeth Nanteza Guggwa Building, which was later blessed by Bishop Ssebaggala.
The graduation ceremony reaffirmed St. Elizabeth’s Institutes’ commitment to producing competent, ethical and skilled health professionals capable of improving healthcare delivery and contributing to national development.
