Simpson M
Nurses and midwives in Uganda have renewed their calls for better working and living conditions, including accommodation, feeding, and scholarships, urging the government, through Vice President Jesca Alupo, to intervene.
Her Excellency, Vice President Jesca Alupo, represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the guest of honour during the International Nurses Day celebrations held in Rukungiri District.
Justus Cherop Kiplangat, President of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union, emphasized the need for the government to provide decent and convenient accommodation for nurses and midwives, who work tirelessly day and night. He highlighted the current lack of adequate housing, forcing nurses to live far from their workplaces and resulting in late arrivals that impact service delivery.
Kiplangat also stressed the necessity of improving the working environment and providing proper equipment for nurses. He lamented the lack of recognition for nurses’ efforts, noting their critical presence in various hospital areas from registration to theaters.
Cherop urged the Speaker to remind the President to fulfill his Shs1 billion pledge towards the nurses’ and midwives’ Sacco, made five years ago. Despite writing to the President and receiving a directive to approach the Ministry of Finance, the funds have not yet been released.
He pointed out that the government provided scholarships to 20 nursing students in 2018, but funding ceased in 2021, leaving many students struggling to continue their education. Some managed to graduate, but others are still facing financial difficulties. Cherop called on the government to address this issue.
Additionally, he mentioned the lack of specialized courses for nurses in Uganda. The Union has acquired 15 hectares of land to establish a university and is seeking government support for this initiative.
Minister for Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura Constituency, Gen. Jim Muhwezi, praised the government for holding the event in Rukungiri. He expressed his honor in hosting Vice President Jesca Alupo and assured that she would address the challenges faced by the nursing community. Muhwezi congratulated the nurses and midwives, commending their dedication to “Love and Serve,” and promised that the government would swiftly address their concerns to ensure a favorable working environment.
Vice President Jesca Alupo pledged to write to the President to fulfill his outstanding pledges. She recognized the vital role nurses play in patient recovery, noting that nursing extends beyond administering medication to addressing patients’ comprehensive needs. Alupo assured the nurses that the health sector enjoys strong support in Parliament and endorsed their request for government assistance in establishing their university.
She affirmed that the challenges presented are solvable, considering they stem from previous presidential pledges, and suggested that the Nurses’ Union president should have met with government officials before the celebration day. Alupo advised organizers to present their challenges to the relevant ministries and offices ahead of events, assuring them of the government’s willingness to support their efforts.
