Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to community-based medical training during a visit to medical students stationed at Rugazi Health Centre IV in Rubirizi District.
Her visit highlighted the importance of Community-Based Education Research Service (COBERS), an integral component of MUST’s medical curriculum that places students in real-world rural health settings to strengthen their clinical and public health skills.
Prof. Byakika was welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi; COBERS coordinator Dr. Gad Ruzaza; health centre attaché Mr. Denis Tumuramye; and Rugazi Health Centre IV in-charge, Dr. Prima Nuwamanya.
Dr. Nuwamanya gave a historical overview of the health centre, noting it was established in 1932 and began working with MUST in 1990. He said the facility now serves over 26,000 people across seven parishes and transitioned from Bushenyi to Rubirizi District in 2010.
He applauded MUST for key infrastructure contributions, including the construction of a theatre, a 27-bed ward, a 40-bed student hostel, and two staff houses for supervisors.
“MUST’s partnership has been vital to improving healthcare service delivery here. We are grateful for the university’s continued support,” Dr. Nuwamanya said.
However, he pointed out several critical needs, including the lack of a solar power backup system, limited staff housing, high fuel costs for the generator, and poor compound maintenance. He added that although the centre currently operates with 64 staff, it requires at least 135 to meet community demand.
“We continue to support lower-level facilities despite our constraints. Additional support from MUST in these areas would greatly boost service delivery,” Dr. Nuwamanya appealed.
Prof. Byakika thanked the health centre for hosting the students and encouraged them to embrace their roles as future healthcare providers. She reiterated the university’s mission to not only educate but also contribute meaningfully to community development.
“Our goal is to nurture doctors who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate and socially responsive. Rugazi is an ideal learning ground for that,” she said.
The visit included interactions with students, feedback sessions, and discussions on strengthening partnerships between the university and community health facilities.
