The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has pledged to pay for the education of Agnes Nambozo, the winner of the Nurse of the Year Award.
This will see Nambozo pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
Tayebwa made this commitment during the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) ceremony on Friday, November 10, 2023. Nambozo, a dedicated nurse at Buluganya Health Centre III in Sironko District, will receive sponsorship from Tayebwa to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
Tayebwa expressed his admiration for Nambozo’s selfless efforts, as showcased in a compelling video. The nurse, who has a Diploma in Nursing, has been risking her life to attend to pregnant women and children on the challenging slopes of Mt. Elgon. Touched by her dedication, Tayebwa pledged to sponsor her education, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting such exemplary healthcare professionals.
In addition to his commitment to Nambozo, Tayebwa recognized and rewarded other healthcare heroes at the event. Dr. Gladys Atto, an eye specialist in the Karamoja region, received a cash prize of Shs5 million for being named the Doctor of the Year. Celina Alicemari, a long-serving nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital and winner of the Midwife of the Year Award, was also awarded Shs5 million.
Alicemari, who has dedicated 40 years to the gynecology operating theatre, is celebrated for her contributions in saving babies, mothers, and mentoring fellow nurses. Tayebwa acknowledged the challenges faced by health workers in Uganda, including limited medical supplies and overwhelming workloads, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like HIHA in boosting job satisfaction and staff retention.
The HIHA event is an annual initiative organized by the Ministry of Health and its partners to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the health sector. Tayebwa commended the Ministry of Health for establishing HIHA, highlighting its role in motivating healthcare professionals and fostering innovation.
Dr. Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, underscored the significance of partnerships in transforming the health system and workforce. She noted that this year’s awards aimed to acknowledge the impact of collaborations in successfully combating public health crises such as Marburg, COVID-19, and Ebola virus disease. Aceng emphasized that partnerships enable the pooling of resources, expertise, and perspectives to create comprehensive solutions beyond traditional healthcare boundaries.
