Kampala University Hosts Six-Month Training to Strengthen Community Health Services

Kampala University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences is hosting a six-month training programme for Village Health Team members (VHTs) transitioning into Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery at community level.

The training, which began on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, is organised by the Ministry of Health and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Rubaga Division. Officials from the Ministry of Health and KCCA are responsible for conducting and overseeing the programme at the University’s Mutundwe Campus.

Located in Mutundwe, within Rubaga Division, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences provides a setting that brings health training closer to the communities the participants serve. Hosting the programme also connects the University’s assurance to health education with the work of public institutions responsible for community health services.

The transition from VHT members to Community Health Extension Workers places renewed attention on the people who connect households with the healthcare system. Community health workers play a valuable role in sharing health information, encouraging timely care-seeking and helping communities understand the importance of disease prevention. The six-month training offers participants an opportunity to prepare for their expanded responsibilities.

Welcoming the trainees and trainers, the Principal of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ms. Susan Oyesigye, expressed pleasure at receiving them at the institution. She wished both groups a pleasant stay as they undertake the training and extended a warm welcome on behalf of the School.

Her welcome set a positive tone for the programme, recognising the importance of a supportive learning environment for those preparing to serve communities. Over the coming months, the trainees will undertake the programme under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Health and KCCA.

For Kampala University, hosting the training demonstrates the practical value of linking higher education with community needs. It provides an opportunity for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences to support a public health initiative within the division where it is based.

By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
Public Relations Officer, Kampala University