Aga Khan University (AKU) has introduced a new Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry programme in Uganda, marking a major step in efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce.
The four-year undergraduate degree, accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE), is designed for recent high school graduates and will be offered at AKU’s newly established campus in Nakawa, Kampala.
According to AKU officials, the programme is intended to equip students with clinical expertise, critical thinking, leadership skills, and proficiency in digital health tools to meet the demands of modern healthcare systems.
“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 face a nationwide shortage of qualified health professionals, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Although nurses and midwives make up the largest share of the healthcare workforce, access to professional development and advanced training has remained limited—especially for new entrants into the field.
AKU’s direct entry programme seeks to fill that gap. Each intake will admit 50 students, with a curriculum that blends classroom instruction and clinical practice. Key areas of focus include patient-centred care, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and health systems improvement.
Importantly, the programme integrates training in digital health technologies, such as 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.”
The new programme complements AKU’s existing part-time options for working nurses and midwives, which have produced more than 1,400 graduates across its campuses in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Many of these alumni now hold leadership roles in hospitals, government agencies, and universities.
“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 first intake are now open through August, with AKU encouraging students from across East Africa to apply.
