Dr. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University is expected to be the special guest and Prof. John Maviiri, the main celebrant.
Excitement is building at St. Francis Schools of Health Sciences in Namataba as the institution prepares to release more than 320 new medical professionals into Uganda’s health sector during its 12th graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday.
By Thursday afternoon, the school compound had transformed into a hub of activity. Workers erected large tents, arranged seating, and finalized decorations in anticipation of hundreds of parents, guardians, and invited guests expected to attend the event.
At a pre-graduation press briefing, the institution’s spokesperson, Simon Ssebakijje, confirmed that preparations had been completed and emphasised that this year’s ceremony carries a message closely aligned with national priorities in health education.
“We are ready for the graduation ceremony, and this year we shall graduate over 320 trainees,” he said. “Our theme is ‘Skills, the Pillar of Medical Training’, and we urge parents to come in large numbers to support their children as they celebrate this milestone.”
According to Ssebakijje, the theme reflects the institution’s commitment to addressing skills gaps in the medical profession by equipping trainees with hands-on competencies needed in clinical settings.
Dr. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University is expected to be the special guest and Prof. John Maviiri, the main celebrant.
Backing his remarks, the institutions’ secretary Justine Nanozi highlighted the rigorous training that the graduating cohort has undergone, noting that all students have completed extensive clinical rotations in both private and government health facilities.
“These students are qualified doctors who have completed clinical trials in various hospitals, including government hospitals,” she said, expressing confidence in the graduates’ readiness to serve in hospitals, health centres, and community settings.
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Her comments come at a time when Uganda’s healthcare system continues to grapple with staffing shortages, especially in rural facilities. Institutions like St. Francis are increasingly seen as critical partners in filling that gap.
For many of the soon-to-be graduates, tomorrow’s ceremony marks the culmination of years of demanding study, sleepless nights, and intensive practical work.
The event is also set to highlight the school’s growth over the years—from a small training centre to a reputable institution producing hundreds of medical practitioners annually.