The government has commissioned a Shs2.2 billion hostel at Hoima School of Nursing, intended to accommodate over 250 female students.
While inaugurating the facility, State Minister for Primary Education Joyce Moriku Kaducu urged the school’s management to ensure proper maintenance and encouraged students to remain focused on their careers.
Hoima School of Nursing Principal Mark Kalanzi welcomed the development but highlighted persistent challenges, including understaffing, limited government payroll coverage for staff, and inadequate infrastructure to support the growing student population.
"We are very grateful for the hostel built for us by the government, but there are still pressing challenges affecting us. We pray that these, too, can be addressed," Kalanzi said.
The two-story building, which was originally designed to have three floors, is expected to accommodate over 800 students once completed.
"We pray that the third floor can also be constructed soon because the number of students we receive is high, and congestion is a challenge. Our institution, which started in 2010, currently has an enrollment of 1,069 students," Kalanzi added.
Lt. Col. Peter Seku Kidemuka, the project engineer, explained that the UPDF Civil Engineering Brigade implemented the construction, but only two floors were built due to funding constraints.
"Once the government allocates additional funds, the third floor will be constructed to expand student accommodation," Kidemuka said.
Hoima City Resident Commissioner Badru Mugabi assured continued monitoring of the project to ensure proper utilization of the funds.
"The government has invested a lot of money. We supervised its construction, and we will continue supervising its usage. Now they are working on getting a certificate of occupancy from the city, and we will ensure the building remains in good condition," Mugabi said.
Minister Kaducu emphasized that the facility demonstrates the government's commitment to improving the learning environment, particularly in health education institutions.
"I urge students to make the most of this improved environment and focus on their studies to become professional healthcare workers," she said.
Kaducu also called for proper maintenance of the hostel and encouraged students to uphold hygiene and sanitation standards.
"The structure is very decent. We hope it promotes hygiene here, so my appeal is for you to maintain good hygiene and cultivate a positive learning environment," she said.
She further cautioned healthcare workers against corruption and bribery, urging students to uphold professional integrity once they join the workforce.
"I hope your teachers are telling you that corruption and bribery are serious issues in hospitals. You must be different once you come out of school," Kaducu said.