Ntungamo, Uganda – The Ntungamo Health Training Institute-Nyarutuntu administration is demanding elevation to a university status, citing the institution’s growth and potential.
During the commissioning of a Shs 280 million multipurpose block, the institute’s principal, Mr. Wilber Tukamuhabwa, appealed to the government to prioritize the institution’s elevation.
The multipurpose block, which serves as a main hall and lecture rooms, is a significant addition to the institution’s infrastructure.
Mr. Tukamuhabwa urged the government to provide additional structures to accommodate the increasing number of students and address the water shortage challenge.
“I want to appeal to the government to consider the elevation of Ntungamo Health Training Institute-Nyarutuntu to a university status. We are growing rapidly, mostly in enrollment. As a growing institution, we need more structures to accommodate the increasing number of students, and water is still a challenge,” said Mr. Tukamuhabwa.
The chairperson of the governing council, Dr. Innocent Twesiime, and the LCIII chairperson Nyarutuntu Sub County, Mr. Mwesigye Katooma, supported the principal’s appeal.
Dr. Twesiime commended the efforts towards the institution’s development and appealed to students to lead by example during their professional practice.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Isaya Kanyamahane Byarugana, praised the government’s achievements in various development sectors.
He advised students not to blame the government for lack of employment opportunities, emphasizing that their skills can be utilized globally.
“The government has done its part in developing many sectors, including institutions like this. I want to charge you students that the skills you’ve attained here can help you get employed, either by yourselves or by any sector. Don’t blame the government for not providing jobs; it has done its part,” said RDC Kanyamahane.
Other officials who attended the commissioning ceremony included the vice chairperson of Ntungamo district, Mr. Athuman Kigongo, and the councilor for Ruhaama sub-county, Mr. Bernard Ahabwe Mpenda. Mr. Mpenda applauded the financial support from parents and the district council.
The construction of the multipurpose block was contracted to GRODINA general supplies, with the site engineers citing challenges such as irregular water and electricity supply that delayed the project’s completion.
Ntungamo Health Training Institute was established in 2011 to train nurses and midwives, starting from within Itojo Hospital.
The institution later relocated to Nyarutuntu campus, located in Keijengye cell, Nyaburiza Parish, Nyarutuntu Sub County, Ruhaama County.