Education minister tips nurses, midwives on ethics
Achievement. Education minister Janet Museveni (centre) with graduates of Uganda Nursing School-Bwindi after the graduation ceremony at the weekend. PHOTO BY RAJAB MUKOMBOZI
What you need to know:
- The school is an affiliate of Uganda Christian University. It is located in Buhoma Kayonza Sub-county at the foot of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and was started in November 2013 by Bwindi Community Hospital that is under the Diocese of Kinkizi.
KANUNGU. The Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, has underscored the need to teach ethics and integrity in institutions of higher learning so that professionals learn how to commit themselves to serving the interests of the public.
Ms Museveni, who was speaking at the first graduation ceremony for Uganda Nursing School-Bwindi in Kanungu District at the weekend, said: “Sometimes professionals think first of how they can benefit personally before thinking about people they have to serve. Ethics and integrity must be part of the curriculum in this field of study.”
Ms Museveni said maternal mortality in the country has failed to go down because women in the hour of need fail to get the support they need from stakeholders, including health workers and husbands. She added that midwives are co-workers with God with a duty to bring life into the world.
She asked them to learn to search for God in order to get wisdom that will enable them enjoy their job.
“This profession is a calling from God. If one doesn’t listen to God, treating the sick and expectant mothers can be a big challenge,” she said.
Ms Museveni further asked the graduands to help people learn about personal hygiene, sanitation and how to protect themselves from getting HIV/Aids.
Kinkizi Diocese Bishop Dan Zoreka said two American tourists (Mr Steve Wolf and Mr James Jameson) who had visited the area helped in the establishment of the school by funding its construction. The two were not present at the function but spoke to the congregation via recorded audio voices saying dreams come true with hard work and concerted efforts.
The principal, Ms Jane Anyango, said the school was started with an aim of responding to the shortage of health workers in the area, and to contribute to innovation towards extension of health services to underserved rural communities in Africa.
Thirty six students graduated with diplomas in midwifery and nursing.
The School
The school is an affiliate of Uganda Christian University. It is located in Buhoma Kayonza Sub-county at the foot of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and was started in November 2013 by Bwindi Community Hospital that is under the Diocese of Kinkizi.
