The Aga Khan University (AKU) has introduced a new Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry programme in Uganda. The course is aimed at training more healthcare professionals in the region.
Accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE), the four-year programme targets school leavers aspiring to pursue a career in nursing. It will be offered at AKU’s campus in Nakawa, Kampala, with an annual intake of 50 students.
Professor Eunice Ndirangu, Dean of AKU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa, said the new programme is built on AKU’s long-standing reputation in nursing education across East Africa and Asia.
“Our new direct-entry nursing programme is designed to equip Uganda’s future nurses with exceptional clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities,” said Prof. Ndirangu. “Our graduates will stand out as leaders in transforming the country’s healthcare landscape.”
The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, interprofessional teamwork, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. It also includes training in digital health technologies such as electronic medical records and telemedicine, preparing students for a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
Dr. Joseph Mwizerwa, Associate Vice Provost at AKU Uganda, highlighted the programme’s broader impact on national health systems.
“The Bachelor of Nursing Science – Direct Entry programme plays a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda’s health system by equipping nurses with advanced knowledge and essential skills to lead in clinical care, public health, and health policy—particularly in underserved communities where their contributions are most needed,” said Dr. Mwizerwa.
AKU has a strong track record in nursing education, with over 1,400 nurses and midwives trained across its campuses in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Many of its alumni now serve as hospital heads, government health officials, and leaders of nursing institutions.
The new programme complements AKU’s existing part-time nursing degrees for working professionals and expands access to full-time university education in the field of nursing.
Admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year are currently open and will close in August. Applications are being accepted from across East Africa.
