Kabale Diocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Callist Rubaramira has urged healthcare institutions to strengthen training in geriatric nursing to help prevent avoidable deaths among elderly people.
Bishop Rubaramira said the shortage of healthcare workers specialised in caring for older people was contributing to premature deaths, calling for more investment in geriatric training.
He made the remarks on Friday while presiding over the fifth graduation ceremony of Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences Nyakibale in Rukungiri District, where 532 students completed their studies in various health-related programmes.
The graduates included the pioneer cohort of 10 students who completed a Certificate in Geriatric Nursing.
Bishop Rubaramira said specialised geriatric nurses are essential in providing services such as screening, medical guidance, massage and timely referral of elderly patients.
He commended Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences for introducing geriatric nursing and urged the institution to expand the programme to produce more specialised healthcare workers as the population of elderly people grows.
“I commend the institute for introducing geriatric nursing. We need more healthcare workers who understand the special needs of elderly people and can provide them with appropriate care,” Bishop Rubaramira said.
He also congratulated the institute’s principal, Sr Birungi Florence, and her team on the institution’s transition from a School of Nursing and Midwifery to a Health Sciences Institute.
The bishop encouraged the governing council to introduce more health-related programmes, including degree courses, to widen opportunities for students and strengthen the country’s health workforce.
532 graduate
Of the 532 graduates, 89 completed a Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery (extension), 179 received certificates in nursing, 194 completed certificates in midwifery, 29 received certificates in pharmacy, 12 completed certificates in theatre techniques and 10 graduated with certificates in geriatric nursing.
Bishop Rubaramira urged certificate holders to continue with their studies by pursuing diploma and eventually degree-level qualifications to improve their professional competence.
‘Every role is vital’
During his homily, Bishop Rubaramira called for teamwork among healthcare workers and other employees serving at Karoli Lwanga Hospital and the institute.
Drawing from the teachings of St Paul, he said every employee has an important role to play in achieving the institutions’ mission.
“The gate man, the cleaner, the tutor, the nurse or doctor are all equally important for the good of Karoli Lwanga Institute and Hospital,” he said.
He thanked the healthcare workers and other employees for their contribution to the treatment of patients and training of students.
Institute marks 55 years
Sr Birungi, the institute’s principal, thanked God for the institution’s achievements and congratulated the graduates on completing their studies.
She also thanked Bishop Rubaramira for presiding over the ceremony and parents for supporting their children throughout their education.
Sr Birungi said the 532 graduates had completed their studies between 2023 and 2025 in different programmes.
The institute was established in 1971 by the Franciscan Sisters of Breda from the Netherlands as a School of Nursing and Midwifery, starting with only 12 student nurses.
Fifty-five years later, the institution has 562 students and has transitioned into a Health Sciences Institute.
Among its achievements, Sr Birungi cited the completion of accreditation processes, acquisition of an administrative double-cabin vehicle, installation of a closed-circuit television system, construction of sports grounds and strengthened collaboration with Karoli Lwanga Hospital.
The institute has also constructed a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
However, Sr Birungi said the institution still faces challenges, including tutor turnover and inadequate infrastructure, particularly lecture halls and accommodation.
She appealed to stakeholders to support the institute in addressing the challenges.
The institute plans to construct a four-storey block, introduce additional diploma programmes and eventually become a College of Health Sciences capable of awarding its own diplomas and certificates.
‘Called to love and serve’
Addressing the graduates, Sr Birungi said the institute had equipped them with knowledge and skills to compete in the changing global healthcare environment.
“Go and become our ambassadors, bearing in mind that you are called to love and serve,” she told the graduates.
Dr Felix Lema Adriko, the Chief Executive Officer of Nyakibale Hospital, congratulated the institute on its transition and highlighted the longstanding partnership between the hospital and the training institution.
He said the students gained both classroom knowledge and practical experience at the hospital, including learning through direct interaction with patients.
“You did not learn from textbooks alone, but also at the bedside of patients. You have kept our hospital running. Now you go into the field. May God bless the work of your hands,” Dr Lema told the graduates.
He urged them to maintain professional discipline, embrace teamwork and uphold the standards of Nyakibale Hospital wherever they work.
Keep learning
The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Fr Dr Deusdedit Musinguzi, urged the graduates to put their training into practice and continue upgrading their skills.
He said the healthcare sector is constantly changing, requiring professionals to keep learning rather than settle for the minimum qualifications.
“Ensure that you are up-to-date through upgrading, enriching your knowledge and skills through all your interactions. This is the surest way that will ensure your efficiency in healing the sick and transforming lives,” Fr Musinguzi said.
He congratulated the institute’s leadership and Board of Governors on the milestone and urged them to remain focused on improving the institution.
Some of the graduates, including Judith Tukamushaba, Christine Arindwamukama and Nicholas, thanked God for enabling them to complete their studies.
They said they were ready to join the workforce and serve patients guided by their profession’s motto: “Called to love and serve.”
New facilities opened
During the ceremony, Bishop Rubaramira commissioned a new Medical Ward Complex constructed in memory of the Franciscan Sisters of Breda, who founded the institute.
The complex comprises male and female medical wards and a paediatric ward.
He also opened a new laboratory complex and a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
