Kampala University Celebrates International Nurses Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence in Nursing Education
Mutundwe, 8 July 2026 – Kampala University officially celebrated International Nurses Day at its School of Nursing and Health Sciences in Mutundwe, with the Founding Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Amb. Al-Haj. Prof. Badru Ddungu Kateregga, reaffirming the University's firm commitment to producing competent, ethical, compassionate, and globally competitive healthcare professionals.
The celebration, held under the theme "Nursing is the Backbone of Healthcare Globally," brought together university leaders, former principals, staff, students, and distinguished guests to recognize the invaluable contribution of nurses to healthcare systems and society.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Kateregga described nurses as the heartbeat of every healthcare system, emphasizing that their dedication, compassion, and professionalism remain indispensable to quality healthcare delivery. He explained that although the celebration could not be held on the official International Nurses Day due to academic and clinical training commitments, the occasion provided an important opportunity to honour practicing nurses, nursing educators, student nurses, and the University's healthcare partners for their outstanding service.
Prof. Kateregga also officially welcomed Ms. Susan Oyesigye as the Acting Principal of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. He congratulated her upon the appointment, noting that she is a distinguished alumna of Kampala University who has served the institution with dedication and professionalism as a tutor.
Reflecting on the School's journey, Prof. Kateregga shared its remarkable history, revealing that the School of Nursing and Health Sciences was established in 2005 on what was once his family home. Inspired by his passion for education and his vision of producing competent, ethical, and internationally competitive nurses and health professionals, he transformed the residence into a centre of excellence for nursing education.
He further noted that Kampala University, founded in 1998 and officially opened to its pioneer students on 16 February 1999, has grown into one of Uganda's leading private universities, operating five campuses—Ggaba (Main Campus), Mutundwe, Masaka, Luweero, and Jinja—while continuing to expand its contribution to higher education both nationally and internationally.
Addressing nursing and midwifery students, the Founding Vice-Chancellor reminded them that nursing is more than a profession—it is a sacred calling founded on compassion, integrity, professionalism, and lifelong learning. He urged them to pursue academic excellence, uphold the highest ethical standards, embrace teamwork, respect their lecturers and clinical supervisors, and remain committed to serving humanity with dignity, kindness, and empathy.
Prof. Kateregga also highlighted the University's expanding health sciences programmes, including the Bachelor of Nursing Science, alongside programmes in Pharmacy, Clinical Medicine, Medical Records and Health Information Management, and Radiography and Radiology. He encouraged students to become ambassadors of Kampala University by inspiring more young people to pursue rewarding careers in the healthcare profession.
The colourful celebration was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mabol Michael Nkwati; the Finance Consultant, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Ronald Kamoga; the University Administrator and Director of Protocol, Ms. Naila Florence; the Acting Principal, Ms. Susan Oyesigye; and former Principals of the Kampala University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, including Sr. Grace Acwang, Sr. Joina Mbuubi, Sr. Juliet Mpora, and Sr. Nakijoba Robinnah. Also in attendance were members of management, academic staff, students, alumni, healthcare practitioners, and other distinguished guests who joined in celebrating the nursing profession and its vital role in transforming healthcare.
The celebration confirmed Kampala University's assurance to advancing nursing and health sciences education through quality training, innovation, community engagement, and the development of healthcare professionals equipped to serve Uganda and the global community.
Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
The P.R.O Kampala University