International Institute of Health Sciences Launches Degree Programs in Nursing and Midwifery
He urged parents to continue supporting their children and called on graduates to continue learning and upgrading their skills.
Jinja: The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) has officially launched its Bachelor’s degree programs in Nursing and Midwifery, in collaboration with Busitema University.
The announcement was made during the graduation ceremony of the institute’s fifth cohort, held at its Milo Mbili campus in Jinja City on Friday May 9, 2025.
A total of 691 graduates including 157 males and 534 females received certificates and diplomas in nursing and midwifery, marking a major milestone in the institute’s ongoing contribution to Uganda’s health workforce.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Health Services (Curative) at the Ministry of Health, served as the chief guest. He commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work, noting that they are now qualified to serve as nurses and midwives. “You are now ambassadors of this institute. Go out and provide quality care,” Dr. Olaro urged.
He praised IIHS for its role in strengthening health education in Uganda and revealed that of the 210 health training institutions in the country, only 22.4% are government-owned, with the majority under private management. Dr. Olaro encouraged the graduates to pursue early specialization, uphold professional ethics, and steer clear of bribery and corruption.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Paul Kasigaire, Assistant Commissioner of the Allied Health Division, emphasized the growing number of health training institutions in Uganda.
He urged parents to continue supporting their children and called on graduates to continue learning and upgrading their skills.
“Your integrity and diligence in service are as important as your qualifications,” he stated. “Corruption whether in hospitals or public service must be avoided at all costs.”
Prof. Wilson Kezaala, Executive Director of IIHS, reaffirmed the institute’s recognition by the government and its adherence to national guidelines. Sharing the institute’s journey, he revealed that IIHS was founded in 1999 by seven visionaries and began nurse training in 2003 with just 15 students. Since then, it has trained 646 students at certificate level and graduated a total of 2,826 nurses and midwives.
Despite facing challenges like limited funding, high training costs, and a shortage of qualified tutors, Prof. Kezaala credited the institute’s success to dedication and efficient use of available resources. He appealed for increased government support to establish a higher training institution to meet the growing demand for advanced healthcare education.
During the ceremony, Agnes Wanda, Principal Relations Officer at IIHS, briefed attendees on a major structural reform in health education.
She announced that, under the TVET Act 2025, the Uganda Health Professional Assessment Board has been formed, replacing both the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board (UNMEB) and the Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board.
The new board will now oversee the comprehensive assessment of healthcare professionals’ skills and knowledge.
Wanda encouraged graduates to cultivate essential soft skills and remain respectful, disciplined, and guided by professional values. “Nursing is not just a career,” she said, “it is a calling from God.”
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