Health 21 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Minister Ogwang Laments Poor Infrastructure in Government Health Training Institutes
State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has expressed deep concern over the dilapidated infrastructure in many government health training institutions, arguing it compromises the quality of education and the production of competent healthcare professionals. He made these remarks during the graduation ceremony at Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/minister-ogwang-decries-poor-infrastructure-in-govt-health-institutes-5567040
State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has highlighted a critical issue plaguing Uganda’s health sector: the stark disparity in infrastructure development among government-aided health training institutions. During the fourth graduation ceremony at Ntungamo College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ogwang emphasized that while some institutions are well-equipped, others appear neglected, hindering the quality of professional training.
“We have some institutions that are doing well, but there are some you go there and want to cry,” Ogwang stated, drawing a parallel to sports where adequate training environments are crucial for performance. He stressed that facilities like laboratories and accommodation, alongside a conducive learning atmosphere and trained staff, are fundamental to producing skilled healthcare workers.
Responding to concerns raised by the college principal, Mr. Wilber Tukamuhabwa, who noted the institution’s lack of government funding for new buildings since its takeover in 2017 and a severe staff shortage, Minister Ogwang issued directives. He instructed the Commissioner for Health Education and Training, Dr. Safinah Kisu Musene, to prioritize funding for a female hostel at the college. Furthermore, he suggested reallocating resources from well-equipped institutions to those in dire need.
At the ceremony, 432 nurses and midwives graduated. The college, established in 2010 and taken over by the government in 2017, has produced over 700 graduates. The Minister also commissioned a new 70-seater bus and a 200-seater classroom block, partly funded by parents.
Minister Ogwang also took the opportunity to announce that First Lady Janet Museveni has fully recovered from a recent illness, thanking the public for their prayers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable infrastructure development across all health training institutions, addressing a significant national shortage of nurses and midwives.