Africa-Press – Uganda. Government has launched construction works at three health training institutions across the country in a €1.2 million(approximately shs4.9billion) project aimed at improving infrastructure and strengthening health education.
The works, launched on Thursday at Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery, will be undertaken at Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Fort Portal College of Health Sciences.
The project is being funded by Enabel in partnership with the Government of Uganda and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
At Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery, the project will involve the construction of a skills laboratory, simulation rooms, library, ICT rooms, storage facilities, and preparation rooms, among other facilities.
At Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery, the works will include the construction of lecture rooms, preparation rooms, simulation rooms, offices, and storage facilities.
Fort Portal College of Health Sciences will benefit from the construction of skills laboratories, lecture halls, offices, simulation rooms, preparation rooms, and other supporting facilities.
The construction contract for Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery has been awarded to King Albert Construction Limited, while ESBRO Construction Limited will undertake works at Fort Portal College of Health Sciences. ROHI Services Limited has been contracted for the Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery project.
Speaking during the launch, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, said improving infrastructure in health training institutions will provide safer and more supportive learning environments for students and staff.
She said the investment will strengthen the capacity of health training institutions to deliver quality education and produce competent health professionals.
Dr Turyagyenda tasked the contractors to uphold accountability, transparency, and ensure the projects are delivered within the agreed timelines while providing value for money.
“For the people in Hoima, you have a project to use as a case study. Hoima City Stadium was supposed to be completed within 18 months but was delivered in 13 months. We do not want excuses; let this project be completed within the agreed time,” she said.
Hannah Nayoga, the Intervention Manager for the We Train for Health Programme at Enabel, said the initiative is part of efforts to improve the learning environment for students pursuing nursing, midwifery, and other health-related courses.
She described the infrastructure upgrades as a critical investment in Uganda’s health workforce development, adding that Enabel is committed to supporting the training of competent and confident health professionals who will serve the country with dedication and compassion.
Dr Safinah Kisu Museene, the Commissioner for Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, said the projects are aligned with national efforts to strengthen professional health training institutions.
Hoima Resident City Commissioner Badru Mugabi called on stakeholders and institutional administrators to work closely with contractors to ensure the projects are completed on time.
