A total of 704 students have graduated at Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery amidst jubilation. This 11th graduation ceremony took plate at school grounds in Kisoro district on Saturday, April 6, 2024 preceded by sacrifice of Mass presided over by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese. Bishop Callist in his homily thanked the school administration for improving the standards and congratulated the graduands for achieving success. He however implored them not to settle for the minimum and encouraged them to aim higher.
Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery started in 1984 with 2 students but as years went by the enrollment increased. The current enrollment is at 278 and the institution has a capacity of 350 students. In her remarks, Sr. Kemigisha Catherine, Principal of Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery, welcomed all the people in attendance to the 11th graduation of the institution. She thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira, who was the guest of honor, for president over the graduation ceremony and for his unwavering commitment to supporting education with his exemplary leadership. She said the 704 students were graduating in different courses like Certificate in Nursing, Certificate in Midwifery, Diploma in Nursing (Direct), Diploma in Nursing (extension) and Diploma in Midwifery (extension) from 2016 to 2023.
Today, we come together not only to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating students but also to reflect on the collective efforts that have brought us to this historic stage – Sr. Kemigisha Catherine, Principal Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Sr. Catherine also appreciated the ministry of education and sports for the technical guidance through Health Education and Training (HET) department. She also thanked the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board (UNMEB) for always being there at times when they are needed most. To Uganda Nurses and Midwives’ Council (UNMC), the principal thanked them for the regulatory measures that keep the institution updated with required standards in nursing practice and the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) was appreciated for their guidance in the field of health.
The graduands were reminded of the significant milestone that marked their journey which they should be proud since they all passed and succeeded because they worked hard, were dedicated and persevered to the end. “This graduation opens a door for you into the world of employment and further studies so don’t stop here, but go for more and more. But don’t forget your parents, guardians and benefactors who have stood with you till this far, for their support has been instrumental,” said the Principal.
The Principal also pointed out some of the achievements registered which included completion of skills laboratory, ICT laboratory and library building with strong WiFi which were officially on graduation day; harvesting rain water to reduce on NWSC bills and developing a strategic plan to be followed in the next 5 years. The school also developed a website that has helped the globe know more about the nursing institution. Students have also been facilitated for community and specialized placement so that they learn from other places and this learning has been depicted in UMMEB December final exams whereby students passed with 100%. Notably, Mutolere School of Nursing and Midwifery participated in the regional sports completions and also participated in national sports and won a trophy in mind games.
Some of the challenges noted includes insufficient staff accommodation that hinders their performance as expected, lack of enough equipment for the new building like furniture and computers which requires immediate attention. CCTV cameras are also needed to enhance security of the institutional assets. “When these challenges are addressed, our teaching and learning process will greatly improve”, said the principal.
Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, Woman MP for Kisoro district who also doubles as State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs also congratulated the graduands for their remarkable achievement and encouraged the Nurses and Midwives to put in practice the core values acquired. She also urged them to let compassion and love be their guiding principle while at work.
While officiating the graduation ceremony, Bishop Callist Rubaramira thanked the Principal of the institution for the good work done and also the Board of Governors of St. Francis Mutolere Hospital. He congratulated the graduands upon the success registered and encouraged them to be responsible while at work especially towards patients. implored parents to put an emphasis on boy child who seems to have gone in the background. He awarded diplomas and certificated to the graduands and with this they became graduates.