Officials at the Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery have expressed their desire to offer degree courses, stating that the institution, established in 1955, has remained confined to providing diploma programs despite advancements in clinical training over the years.
Eva Nampiima, the Principal of the school, noted that the facility initially offered certificate courses and later upgraded to offer diploma courses but has been unable to progress beyond this level despite gaining recognition as a center of excellence. She emphasized the need to introduce degree programs.
Nampiima made these remarks during a recent graduation ceremony attended by 548 nurses, midwives, and palliative nursing officers who obtained diplomas and advanced diplomas in their respective fields.
While advocating for the introduction of degree courses, Nampiima also revealed a staffing issue at the institution. Currently, only thirteen of their staff members receive government salaries, with the remaining 52 staff members being remunerated locally through council collections. Officials from the Public Service department pledged to discuss this matter with the Education Service Commission.
Regarding the recruitment process, Grace Mary Mugasa, the Public Service State Minister, cautioned graduates to be cautious of fraudulent schemes offering government jobs. She mentioned an increase in such schemes, particularly after salary enhancements.
In response, John C Muyingo, the Minister of State for Higher Education, explained that there is a legal process that educational institutions must follow to upgrade and offer degree programs. Muyingo advised the Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery to apply to the National Council for Higher Education for an assessment of their eligibility to offer degree courses.
Out of the 548 graduates, only seventeen pursued palliative care nursing, a relatively new field introduced in 2019. Muyingo encouraged more students to enroll in this course, given the estimated 11% national demand for palliative care services.
Margret Nagawa, who graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing, shared her experience of working at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital even before the graduation ceremony due to the high demand for services such as pain management for terminally ill individuals.
