Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the Minister of State for Higher Education, has advised medical personnel graduates in different fields at the Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences at Sseguku-Lweza in Wakiso district to marry early and avoid being promiscuous.
The event, under the theme A Resilient Workforce for a Sustainable Health System, emphasized resilience, upholding ethical conduct, patience, and hard work above all things.
Muyingo made these remarks on Thursday, November 7, 2024, while presiding over a graduation ceremony of 440 graduates who were awarded with degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the medical profession.
Drawing from the theme, Muyingo encouraged graduates to be resilient and consider marrying early and avoid jumping from one partner to another in order to avoid promiscuity and catching HIV. He, therefore, highlighted the importance of stable relationships of one man and one woman in fostering a healthy society.
“Personal choices significantly impact community health and well-being of society and individuals,” Muyingo said.
The Minister emphasized the importance of education and skill development in the health sector, where he urged the graduates to uphold ethical conduct in their professional lives, stressing that mistakes should not be tolerated.
“Follow your ethical code, which says you were chosen and called by God to serve. Do not let money be your priority, or you will lead a miserable life,” he noted.
Edith Akankwasa, the Principal of Mildmay Institute, in her remarks, emphasized the importance of the skills the graduates have acquired and their potential to effect positive change in their communities.
“You have been fully equipped with key skills necessary for changing the communities around you,” she said.
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She urged the new health professionals to embrace integrity, hard work, and resilience in their careers.
“Do your best in the face of challenges and difficulties; go out there, be professional, and leave the rest to God,” she added.
Dr. Jeff Mukasa, the board chair of Mildmay, reflected on the institution’s journey over the past 20 years, highlighting its evolution from a focus on HIV to becoming a fully equipped hospital, education institute, training center, and research center addressing a range of health issues.
He lauded President Museveni for establishing Mildmay in Uganda and acknowledged the sacrifices made by parents, teachers, and governance bodies in supporting the graduates achieve this milestone in their lives.
The graduates pledged to serve with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to positively contribute to Uganda’s health sector, ready to face the challenges ahead with integrity and professionalism. The ceremony concluded with a sense of optimism and determination among the new health professionals, who are poised to make a difference in their communities.
