Minister Muyingo Tours Health Training Institutions as 99,000 Students Sit UHPAB Final Exams
By Kayiira Jackson
Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its health workforce has once again taken center stage as more than 99,000 candidates across the country sit for their final examinations under the Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UHPAB). The massive nationwide exercise covering Nursing, Midwifery, and various clinical programs reflects the government’s continued investment in developing a competent and service driven health sector.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, embarked on a comprehensive tour of health training institutions in Kampala to assess the progress of the ongoing exams. He was accompanied by senior Ministry of Education and Sports officials, including the Commissioner for Health Education and Director of Health Training Institutions, Hajjat Dr. Safinah Musene, and UHPAB Executive Secretary Helen Mukakarisa Kataratambi.
The Minister began his tour at Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing, where he interacted with candidates undertaking their practical skills assessments. The institution’s Principal, Harriet Kwagala, briefed the visiting team, highlighting the smooth execution of the exams and the readiness demonstrated by both instructors and learners.
Muyingo applauded the administration for upholding high training standards, noting that such institutions play a critical role in producing specialized professionals essential to Uganda’s healthcare system.
The delegation later moved to Kibuli Muslim Hospital Health Training School, where they were received by the Hospital Director, Dr. El-Gazah, and the institution’s Principal, Hajjat Halimah Nanziri Mayanja. More than 600 candidates at the school are completing their final practical examinations.
Dr. El-Gazah praised the Ministry for its continued support, citing the efficient conduct of the examinations and the professionalism displayed by UHPAB and the school’s assessment teams.
UHPAB’s Executive Secretary, Helen Mukakarisa Kataratambi, confirmed that the national examinations spread across 215 accredited exam centers in 233 training institutions are progressing smoothly. She revealed that 99,751 students registered for the end of year assessments, including 30,184 from clinical programs and 69,567 from Nursing and Midwifery.
Kataratambi also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda and the Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni, for providing the leadership and resources required to ensure that the national health training assessments remain well-funded, standardized, and aligned with modern training needs.
Commissioner Dr. Safinah Musene emphasized that sustained government support has enabled training institutions to access essential learning materials and equipment an investment that directly contributes to the production of skilled and employable health workers.
In his remarks during the tour, Minister Muyingo reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to uplifting the quality of training in medical and health sciences. He hailed tutors, instructors, and administrators for their dedication and assured Ugandans that the Ministry remains focused on producing a world-class health workforce capable of serving both the nation and the region.
He further commended UHPAB for its flawless coordination of what stands as one of the largest national assessments in Uganda’s health education history.