Nurses have been trained at Kagando ever since the hospital started to operate. Initially the training was for Nurse Aides, a qualification recognised locally but not nationally.
When Sr Maureen Moore came to Kagando in 1987 she formalised the curriculum and with other tutors provided excellent practical and academic training for the Nurse Aides. Many of these early students still work in and around Kagando, and Maureen remains in contact with over 60 of them.
In 1998, the school was officially opened with nationally recognized courses and certified by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council. From an initial cohort of 32 the school has grown to over 600 students, offering various courses in Nursing and Midwifery. The students’ practical training takes place both in the hospital and in surrounding Heath Centres and the community.
In the 1970s the hospital started training laboratory microscopists, and in 1994, started training laboratory attendants who would be given a certificate. In 2011 the school was accredited to teach nationally recognised certificate and a diploma courses in Medical Laboratory Technology. Initially the students had to travel to Kampala to take their exams at Mengo Hospital, but from 2015 these could be done locally. The school currently offers Diploma and Certificate in Medical Laboratory and Certificate in Medical Theatre Technique.
The School is preparing to upgrade to a University College, in collaboration with Uganda Christian University in Mukono. They are hoping to be able to offer degree courses, as well as expanding training for Physiotherapy, Clinical officers, Pharmacy, Orthopaedic medicine and Medical records.
Students come from all parts of Uganda. Many are attracted by the Christian ethos of Kagando and as well as their studies get involved in the chapel, with worship, choirs and Bible studies. There is also some form of sport going on every day, with teams competing at district and national levels.
Student nurses after chapel
