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Nurses and midwives have been advised to take pride in their profession and maintain self-respect to streamline their roles in serving the public, despite challenges such as low salaries.
These remarks were made by Alex Twekwase Bukiriro, the National Organizing Secretary of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union, during the belated Nurses and Midwives Day celebration at Karoli Lwanga Hospital – Nyakibale.
He commended the medical workers for their dedication to saving lives and thanked them for participating in the recently concluded International Nurses and Midwives Day held in Rukungiri last month. He encouraged them to register with the union to benefit from scholarships and other union benefits.
Tumukwese further urged the nurses and midwives to join the Rukungiri Nurses and Midwives SACCO to take advantage of low-interest loans for personal development and educational advancement.
Dr. Conerius Musinguzi, the focal person for Rukungiri district, thanked the medical workers at Nyakibale Hospital for their unity and cooperation in providing quality services. He advised them to always trust in themselves and, quoting Nelson Mandela, emphasized that education is the greatest tool to change the world. He encouraged them to be creative, and innovative, and to join leadership roles at any level to advocate for their rights.
Okotch Andrew, the principal hospital administrator, praised nurses and midwives for being role models in their communities. He urged them to embrace good practices, address service gaps, and serve according to their calling. He advised them not to worry about low salaries, as God has good plans for them, and encouraged them to invest their earnings to increase their income.
Dr. Lema Felix Adriko, the Nyakibale Hospital Medical Superintendent, thanked the organizers of the event for motivating nurses and midwives. He urged the government to provide healthcare insurance for private nurses, as is done for government nurses, to ensure better medical care when needed.
Sr. Agatha Kebirungi, the Principal Nursing Officer at Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale, congratulated all nurses on celebrating their belated Nurses and Midwives Day despite the challenges of heavy workloads and low pay. She encouraged them to love their profession. During the event, she introduced Twebaze Arthur as the best clinical instructor of 2024 at Karoli Lwanga Hospital and Health Training Institute Nyakibale, Jacenta Mbabazi as the best nurse, and Catherine Ampumuza as the midwife of the year at their hospital. They received certificates of recognition and gifts.
Fr. Nyomugabe Balitazari, the Chaplain at Nyakibale Hospital, thanked Sr. Agatha for uniting the staff. The celebration began with a mass led by him at the hospital chapel, followed by a luncheon and entertainment from different departments.
The function was attended by various dignitaries, including the Rukungiri Municipality Town Clerk Mr. Prosper Tagorya, head teachers, and hospital staff.
