Over 600 Students Graduate from Ishaka Adventist School of Nursing and Midwifery Amidst Calls for Compassion, Integrity and Professionalism

By Octavius Tunanukye | BFM Radio
15/11/2026

A total of 616 students have graduated from Ishaka Adventist School of Nursing and Midwifery following its 8th Graduation Ceremony held at the institution's Main Campus Grounds in Ishaka, Bushenyi District today.

The graduates were drawn from two academic sections of the institution including: the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Allied Basic Sciences.

While delivering his congratory message, the chief guest, Pastor Samuel Mwebaza, urged the graduates to become keepers of life rather than breakers of trust, reminding them to remain humble, faithful and committed to their professional responsibilities.

He raised concern over challenges affecting the health sector, including corruption, absenteeism, theft of medicines and unprofessional conduct. He cautioned health workers against selling government-supplied medicines, noting that such practices undermine public trust in healthcare institutions.

Pastor Mwebaza also encouraged the graduates to put God first and make prayer part of their daily professional routines, recommending that every work shift begin with prayer.

The President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's South Western Uganda Field-Pastor Edward Muwanga, challenged the graduates to prioritise patients' needs over financial interests, expressing concern that some health facilities are increasingly focusing on profit-making at the expense of community service.

Pr. Muwanga noted that not everyone can afford quality healthcare, urging medical professionals to treat all patients with compassion, respect and honesty, regardless of their financial circumstances. He also condemned rude behaviour and dishonesty among health workers, calling on the graduates to uphold professional ethics and ensure proper management of government resources.

The Chairperson of the Board of Ishaka Adventist Hospital and Health Training Institutions, Sr. Deborah Gasana Sendawula, thanked the Uganda Union of Seventh-day Adventists for supporting the institution's mission of serving communities through healthcare and training.

She urged the graduates to embrace compassion, integrity, competence and continuous learning, while becoming good ambassadors of the institution through their service. She also appreciated parents and guardians for their contribution towards the success of the graduates and the institution.

The Principal of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sr. Hope Rukundo, reminded the graduates that Jesus came to serve rather than to be served, urging them to follow His example by treating nursing as a calling to serve humanity.

She described nurses as co-workers with Jesus in bringing healing and comfort to others, expressing confidence that the institution would be proud of their contributions to the health sector.

The Principal of the School of Allied Courses, Elder Kitima Muhindo, encouraged the graduates to pursue further studies, emphasising that obtaining certificates and diplomas should not mark the end of their academic journey.

He highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and encouraged them to explore further academic opportunities available at the institution.

According to the Academic Registrar of the School of Nursing and Midwifery-Amos Isebale, 412 students had graduated in various disciplines, including Certificate in Nursing, Certificate in Midwifery, Diploma in Midwifery Extension and Diploma in Nursing Extension.

Meanwhile, the Academic Registrar of the School of Allied Basic Sciences, Festus Nasasira, reported that 204 students had graduated from various programmes, including certificates in Laboratory, Medical Theatre and Pharmacy, diplomas in Pharmacy and Laboratory, and an Advanced Diploma in Anaesthesia, bringing the overall total of graduates to 616 professionals.

Nasasira commended the institution for its continued improvement in discipline and academic performance, encouraging prospective health scholars to consider allied health courses because of the diverse opportunities they offer across the country.

The 8th Graduation Ceremony marks another milestone in Ishaka Adventist School of Nursing and Midwifery's contribution to Uganda's healthcare workforce, with the 616 graduates expected to apply their knowledge and skills in serving communities across the country.

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