Over 600 graduate at SSCN, urged to uphold professionalism
SOROTI, June 6, 2026 — A total of 623 graduands from Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing [ SSCN ] have been urged to become committed health professionals who work collaboratively rather than in isolation if they are to improve patient care and strengthen Uganda’s health system.
The graduands, who completed their studies between December 2023 and December 2025, received qualifications in various disciplines, including Diploma in Nursing Extension, Diploma in Midwifery Extension, Diploma in Nursing, Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing Extension, and Diploma in Midwifery E-learning.
Speaking at the school’s 8th graduation ceremony held recently at the institution’s campus, Dr Safinah Kisu Museene, Commissioner for Health Education and Training [HET] at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasised that technical skills alone are not sufficient without collaboration and accountability.
“We need committed health professionals, not those who work in isolation, if we are to improve patient care and strengthen the health system,” Museene said.
She noted that reducing mortality and maternal deaths, tackling the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and addressing mental health challenges all require dedicated health workers who remain committed to their profession.
Museene also said that the government continues to strengthen education and training in Uganda to produce competent and innovative graduates capable of responding to society’s evolving needs.
She further cautioned graduates to serve with compassion, dedication and respect for human life, while upholding professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct throughout their careers.
“I know you are nurses and midwives. Please uphold your professional values. Go out there and represent yourselves as professionals,” she said.
The Chairperson of the Governing Council, Dr Benedicto Watmon, who also serves at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, said the graduates were entering a competitive world where clients demand quality services. He urged them to maintain a positive attitude in their professional practice.
Francis Itomet, the Principal of Soroti School of Comprehensive Nursing, said inadequate infrastructure, understaffing and limited transport facilities remain major challenges facing the institution.
However, he encouraged graduates to remain lifelong learners if they wish to stay relevant in the profession.
“As you pursue continuous learning, remember that self-care is equally important as you celebrate your achievements and milestones,” Itomet said.
He added that continuous learning is essential for adapting to new medical practices and technologies, as well as responding to the changing health needs of the communities they serve.
Finally, Itomet advised the graduates to register with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council and obtain practising licences to enable them to legally practise their profession.
Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut said that denying patients adequate time and attention amounts to corruption. He urged the graduates to avoid such practices and to treat every patient with the respect and care they deserve.
He also encouraged them to embrace President Museveni’s slogan, “No more sleep, no more corruption”, in the discharge of their duties, saying the message calls for vigilance, hard work and a commitment to serving patients honestly without resorting to bribery or shortcuts.
Okurut emphasised that the government expects health professionals to uphold professionalism, ethics and patient-centred care, stressing that medical competence and quality service should take precedence over simply earning a qualification.
https://thecooperator.news/new-hostel-commissioned-at-hoima-school-of-nursing-and-midwifery/
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