Officials at the Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery have expressed their concerns regarding the institution’s educational offerings. Despite its establishment in 1955, the school has remained focused on providing diploma courses, failing to keep pace with the advancements in clinical training over the years.
Eva Nampiima, the school’s Principal, revealed that the institution initially began by offering certificate courses. However, despite evolving into a center of excellence, it has remained stagnant at the diploma level for an extended period.
Nampiima emphasized that it is long overdue for the school to introduce degree programs.
Speaking at a recent graduation ceremony attended by 548 nurses, midwives, and palliative nursing officers who received diplomas and advanced diplomas in their respective fields, Nampiima discussed the institution’s aspirations to offer degree programs.
However, she also highlighted a significant staffing challenge, as only thirteen of their staff members receive government salaries, with the remaining 52 being compensated locally through the governing council’s collections. Officials from the Public Service expressed their intention to discuss this matter with the Education Service Commission to find a resolution.
Addressing the issue of staffing and job-related concerns, Grace Mary Mugasa, the Public Service State Minister, cautioned graduates about the rampant problem of government job fraud, particularly since salaries were increased.
On the other hand, John C Muyingo, the Minister of State for Higher Education, emphasized the importance of adhering to the legal process for an institution to upgrade and offer degree programs.
He advised the school to apply to the National Council for Higher Education to determine its eligibility for degree program accreditation.
Despite these challenges, the graduation ceremony saw a relatively small number of students, only seventeen, specializing in palliative care nursing. This field, introduced in 2019, is of increasing importance, with access to palliative care services estimated to be just 11 percent nationwide.
Graduates like Margret Nagawa, who received an Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing, have already begun working in hospitals, responding to the high demand for services such as pain management for terminally ill patients.