Aga Khan University (AKU) in Uganda has introduced a new Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry programme, aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system by training a new generation of skilled nurses.
Accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE), the four-year undergraduate degree targets recent high school graduates. It is designed to equip students with the clinical expertise, critical thinking abilities, and leadership skills needed to thrive in modern healthcare environments.
“This programme responds to the growing demand for highly trained nurses who can serve not only as competent caregivers but also as public health advocates and policy influencers,” said Professor Eunice Ndirangu, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa.
Uganda continues to struggle with a nationwide shortage of qualified health professionals, especially in rural and underserved communities. Despite being the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, nurses and midwives often lack access to advanced training and early-career development opportunities.
To address this gap, AKU’s new programme—offered at its newly established Nakawa campus in Kampala—will admit 50 students per intake. The curriculum blends theory with practice, focusing on patient-centred care, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based clinical practices, and health systems improvement.
Significantly, the programme integrates training in digital health technologies, including electronic medical records, telehealth, and health data management.
“The inclusion of health informatics and emerging digital tools is vital,” said Dr. Joseph Mwizerwa, Associate Vice Provost at AKU Uganda. “As Uganda expands its digital health infrastructure, nurses must be prepared to engage with these systems effectively and ethically.”
This new full-time degree complements AKU’s existing part-time programmes for working nurses and midwives. So far, over 1,400 nurses and midwives have graduated from AKU campuses in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—many of whom now hold senior positions in hospitals, government bodies, and academic institutions.
“Nurses trained through this programme will play a vital role in connecting communities with healthcare services, particularly in areas where access is limited,” Dr. Mwizerwa added.
Applications for the inaugural intake are open through August, with AKU encouraging applicants from across East Africa.
