Lira City, Uganda – After ten years of dedicated service to healthcare education, King James Comprehensive School of Nursing and Midwifery has on Friday February 28, 2025, marked a historic milestone by successfully holding its first-ever graduation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 1,261 graduates.
The event, filled with excitement and pride, brought together distinguished guests, education stakeholders, and families of the graduands in a colorful ceremony that showcased the institution’s impact on healthcare training in Northern Uganda.
The Guest of Honor, John Kennedy Wakida, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board (UNMEB), delivered an inspiring speech urging graduates to embrace professionalism, integrity, and faith as they step into the healthcare field.
“To my brother Dickens Odongo, just put God first in whatever you do, and you will achieve wherever you go!” he remarked, acknowledging the efforts of the school’s founder and director. “The day is yours; please celebrate responsibly. The future of healthcare is in your hands, and the knowledge you have gained here will make a difference in the lives of many.”
One of the highlights of the event was the bold remarks by Ambrose Ogwal, the Director of Wisdom High School, who took a firm stand against critics who have in the past undermined Odongo King James’ efforts in private education.
“To the directors of other private schools who talk ill against Odongo King James, let’s get civilized!” he exclaimed.
Recalling the skepticism he faced when he sought advice from Dickens Odongo to establish Wisdom High School, he shared:
“People talked a lot, some even claimed that all my students would run mad! But today, I am proud to say that Wisdom High School is one of the best schools in Northern Uganda, and King James Comprehensive School has the biggest S.1 enrollment this year, with over 650 students.”
His comments highlighted the competition and rivalry among private education institutions, with King James emerging as a strong leader in both secondary and medical training.
The institution’s Director, Dickens Odongo, took the opportunity to appreciate the government health facilities, including Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), Apac Hospital, and others, for providing lucrative training grounds where students acquire essential practical skills.
He also emphasized the growing trust and reputation on King James Comprehensive Schools, which now attract students from across Uganda, including Masaka, Moroto, and the wider Lango Sub-region.
“The fact that students from different regions are choosing our institution is proof that we have built a strong track record of delivering quality education and training. Parents and students trust us to provide a solid foundation for successful healthcare careers,” Odongo stated.
King James Comprehensive School of Nursing and Midwifery, established in 2014, has been running two programs: Enrolled Nursing and Enrolled Midwifery. Over the past ten years, the school has trained multiple cohorts, and this graduation saw the culmination of ten sets of students finally receiving their certificates.
A total of 1,261 graduates were awarded their credentials, comprising: 919 nurses and 342 midwives.
These professionals will now join the country’s healthcare system, helping to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers in Uganda and beyond.
The successful graduation ceremony not only marked a new beginning for the graduates but also reinforced King James Comprehensive School of Nursing and Midwifery as a leading institution in healthcare education.
With its impressive enrollment numbers, expanding reputation, and commitment to practical training, the school is poised for even greater success in the coming years.
Name sake Dickens may God blessed you abundantly keep it up