By Eric Yiga
As Uganda’s healthcare system continues to grapple with increasing demand, limited resources, and changing technologies, newly trained professionals have been urged to place humanity and ethical service at the centre of their careers.
The call was made during the 13th graduation ceremony of St. Francis Schools of Health and Allied Sciences in Namataba, where leaders in education, religion, and healthcare emphasized the need for compassionate and accountable service delivery.
Held under the theme “Transforming Healthcare Service Delivery for the Betterment of Humanity,” the ceremony attracted parents, lecturers, guardians, and hundreds of graduands from different disciplines.
Speakers at the event said improving healthcare requires more than academic qualifications, noting that professionalism, empathy, and integrity are equally important in restoring public confidence in the sector.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kisubi, Br. Dr. Deogratius Mugema, described the graduates as an important force capable of reshaping healthcare and public service through teamwork and innovation.
Mugema explained that transforming healthcare goes beyond treatment rooms and hospital wards, saying sustainable service delivery depends on strong systems, ethical leadership, and modern scientific solutions.
He noted that allied health and nursing professionals remain at the frontline of patient care, while management and applied science graduates provide the systems and innovations necessary to strengthen institutions.
According to him, graduates must avoid becoming mechanical in their work and instead treat every patient with dignity and compassion.
“Every patient, every client, and every laboratory sample represents a human life. Compassion should always guide your work,” he said.
Several speakers also cautioned graduates against corruption, negligence, and the culture of seeking quick wealth, warning that such tendencies continue to undermine healthcare and public institutions.
Using the example of Mother Teresa, Mugema reminded the graduates that genuine service is rooted in love and sacrifice rather than financial reward.
The Institution Rector, Peter Kiwanuka Bbosa, said the institution had prepared students not only for employment, but also for responsible leadership and community service.
“These graduates are expected to lead with humility, professionalism, and integrity in the communities they will serve,” he said.
Bbosa further encouraged them to continue upgrading their skills through research, innovation, and collaboration instead of viewing graduation as the end of learning.
The Academic Registrar, Immaculate Asherure, revealed that 566 students graduated in various programmes during the ceremony.
She said the graduates were entering a highly competitive job market that demands adaptability, creativity, and continuous self-improvement.
Among the best performers was Lydia Angio, who obtained a CGPA of 4.70 in Diploma in Medical Records and Health Informatics. Other outstanding students included Abdukadir Aminah Kaudha in Clinical Medicine and Community Health, Dorah Sabuwah in Health Promotion and Education, Brian Kyeterekera in Pharmacy, and Patience Nakabugo in Certificate Nursing.
During the graduation Mass, Rev. Fr. Prof. John Chrysotom Maviiri urged the graduands to combine professional competence with patience, empathy, and spiritual values while serving patients.
“You may have the knowledge and skills, but you also need the heart to deal with people with compassion and patience,” he said.
Maviiri warned health workers against becoming harsh toward patients, noting that many people seeking treatment are already emotionally and physically distressed.
He encouraged the graduates to emulate St. Francis of Assisi, whose life was defined by sacrifice, humility, and service to humanity.
The priest also criticised corruption and selfishness in modern society, saying many public service failures stem from greed and dishonesty.
“We are living in a time where many people want quick riches, but true service requires sacrifice, honesty, and commitment to humanity,” he said.
He added that healthcare professionals should strive to leave every patient better than they found them, emphasizing that quality service can restore hope and dignity to communities.
As celebrations marked the end of the academic journey for the graduates, the ceremony also served as a reminder that the country needs professionals who are prepared to place service above personal gain.
For many of the graduates beginning their professional journeys, the challenge ahead will not only be building careers, but also helping rebuild trust, compassion, and accountability within Uganda’s healthcare system.
