Acan: Don’t Let Fees Derail Future Health Workers

What the report says

Vivian Emily Acan, the Academic Registrar of Dokolo School of Nursing and Midwifery, has called on district leaders, MPs and other stakeholders to support students with scholarships and sponsorships so fees do not prevent them from training as nurses and midwives. According to Dokolo Post, she made the appeal during the weekend launch of new medical students’ cultural associations at the school.

Acan said the students are future health workers whose training will benefit Dokolo District and Uganda more broadly. She also linked the appeal to the institution’s role in preparing health personnel for a district that is expected to expand its health infrastructure, including a planned district hospital and upgrades to existing facilities. The school is privately owned and draws students from different parts of Uganda.

The launch introduced the Teso, Kumam, Luo and Sebei medical students associations, following earlier concerns that some student cultural groups were not formally recognised. Acan said the groups should help students identify with their cultures, build belonging and strengthen support networks, while also promoting unity and academic excellence rather than division.

Other speakers at the event reinforced similar messages. District leaders urged discipline, focus and avoidance of drug abuse, while school officials welcomed the associations as a way to encourage responsible behaviour and peer support. The institution now has five cultural student associations, including Bagishu, and the launch was presented as a step toward stronger campus cohesion and better preparation for health-sector work.