Uganda’s healthcare system relies heavily on the dedication of its frontline professionals, yet the journey to becoming a competent nurse, midwife, or health worker begins long before anyone steps foot into a hospital ward. It starts in the classrooms, skills laboratories, and living spaces of training institutions across the country.

Unfortunately, many of these institutions face significant infrastructure challenges which directly constrain institutions to deliver the high-quality education required to prepare health professionals for the realities of the field.

To confront this challenge and reshape the future of health education, Enabel, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, has launched a transformative national infrastructure initiative valued at over UGX 5.1 billion (1.2Million Euros).

Funded by the Kingdom of Belgium, this strategic investment is designed to to enhance the learning environments at three vital institutions: Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery, Fort Portal College of Health Sciences, and Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery.

The works will include the construction of skills laboratory and pedagogy blocks comprising skills laboratories for midwifery, nursing, pediatric training, pharmacy, Clinical medicine and Anesthesia as well as simulation rooms, preparation rooms, libraries, ICT labs, lecture halls, offices and other essential learning facilities.

During the official groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, quality, and timely delivery noting that the investment will be measured by how quickly and effectively it translates into safe, modern, and practical learning spaces for students and staff.

“Today’s launch reflects the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, quality, and timely delivery. As we break ground for these important infrastructure works, we expect all contractors to adhere to the agreed timelines, uphold the highest standards of workmanship, and ensure that this investment translates into safe, modern, and practical learning spaces for Uganda’s future health professionals.”

Dr. Safinah Kisu Museene, Commissioner for Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, further emphasized that quality health education cannot exist in isolation from quality learning environments. She noted that these infrastructure upgrades will significantly strengthen professional training institutions, empowering students to acquire the rigorous knowledge, technical skills, and professional values needed to serve Uganda’s population effectively.

Hannah Nayoga, Project Manager, WeTrain4Health at Enabel, highlighted that upgrading these facilities represents a direct investment in Uganda's future health workforce, ensuring that learners are trained in environments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, community-ready competence.

“The work will help ensure that students are trained in environments that enhance practical learning and prepare them to meet the needs of communities and health facilities across the country,” Nayoga noted.  

The groundbreaking ceremonies mark an important milestone in Enabel’s continued commitment to education, skills development, and health systems strengthening in Uganda. The works are expected to run for 12 months, from June 2026 to June 2027. followed by a 12-month defects liability period, ending in June 2028.               

•