Some of the graduates at Ndejje University main campus during the 28th graduation ceremony on Friday. Photo | Jessica Sabano
What you need to know:
- Prof. Banja said the institution had invested heavily in establishing the medical school but was still awaiting approval to begin training students
Ndejje University has appealed to the government to expedite accreditation of its School of Medicine, saying delays in approval have left newly developed facilities and equipment underutilised.
Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, the university's Vice-Chancellor, said the institution had hoped to secure accreditation in time to admit students for the August 2026 intake for the 2026/2027 academic year.
She was speaking during the university's 28th graduation ceremony on Friday, where 1,104 students graduated, comprising 573 males and 531 females.
Prof. Banja said the institution had invested heavily in establishing the medical school but was still awaiting approval to begin training students.
"Following the facility verification visit conducted on July 1, 2026, we had hoped that the programme would be accredited in time for us to recruit students for the August 2026 intake," she said.
"However, accreditation has not yet been granted, leaving the building and the equipment invested in for the programme underutilised."
She appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports and the government to expedite the process, saying the programme would expand opportunities for training medical professionals to contribute to Uganda's healthcare workforce.
Mr Saul Whygolow, the spokesperson for the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), acknowledged concerns over the delay but advised the university to seek clarification from the council.
He did not provide a specific timeline for the accreditation decision but asked the university to be hopeful.
The delay raises questions about how universities can translate investments in training infrastructure into operational programmes while awaiting regulatory approval.
The appeal also comes amid calls for universities to strengthen practical training and ensure graduates acquire skills that respond to labour-market needs.
Dr Kedrace R. Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, said universities should strengthen practical learning and partnerships with employers to prepare graduates to solve real-world problems.
"The central question is clear: What can a graduate competently do with what they have learned?" Dr Turyagyenda asked.
She cited shortages in specialised fields, including artificial intelligence, advanced cybersecurity, big data analysis, biomedical engineering, digital forensics and process safety engineering.
Other areas requiring attention include civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, software engineering, agro-processing, special needs education, and water and sanitation engineering.
Prof. Banja said Ndejje University was reviewing its curricula in preparation for Competence-Based Education and Training, which emphasises practical skills and the application of knowledge in the workplace.
The university is also strengthening staff capacity, industry partnerships, practical learning infrastructure and quality assurance systems.
It has expanded its science and technical education programmes, including transforming its former Faculty of Engineering and Survey into the School of Engineering and Built Environment. It has also established a vocational and technical institute to align diploma programmes with national guidance on technical and vocational training.
However, the university's planned medical training programme remains dependent on accreditation, with no commencement date announced.