LACOR HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES INTRODUCTION OF DIPLOMA IN CRITICAL CARE NURSING

Professor George Ladaah Openjuru (in yellow gown) pose for a group photo with the institution’s officials and graduates recently.

By Achomo Proscovia
Gulu City

St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor Health Training Institute celebrated a landmark achievement as it held its 6th graduation ceremony, conferring qualifications to 579 graduates in a vibrant event under the guiding theme, “Empowering to Love and Serve,” held at the hospital grounds.
 
The event reflected the institute’s enduring mission: to produce skilled healthcare professionals who not only excel in clinical expertise but also serve with humility, dignity, and love.
 
Graduates received Certificates and Diplomas in core health disciplines including Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Theatre Techniques, and Medical Laboratory Technology.

In her keynote address, Ms. Betty Justine Anyiri, Principal of the institute, commended the graduates for their perseverance throughout the demanding academic journey.
 
“We are not only recognizing the completion of a program but honoring the courage and resilience it took to reach this moment. The journey has been filled with night duties and moments of doubt. Yet, through it all, you sharpened your skills. Graduation is not the end—it is a bridge to a world full of opportunities, choices, and responsibilities. The lessons learned here will remain essential tools as you step into the field,” Anyiri said.
 
Brian Komakech, one of the graduates who earned a Certificate in Nursing, shared his emotional testimony. “It was a struggle. I was among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we ended up studying for three years instead of two. But with God’s grace, we made it. I plan to enroll at Gulu University to pursue a Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery. To my fellow graduates and those still in training—this is not the end. Continue upgrading, and broaden your knowledge and skills.”

The ceremony featured a poignant call for lifelong learning from Prof. George Openjuru Ladaah, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University who was the guest of honor, “Each of you has demonstrated the exceptional qualities required of healthcare professionals. As you embark on your careers, consider this graduation a stepping stone. Lifelong learning is essential in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. I urge you to explore further opportunities, including those offered at Gulu University.”
 
The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, MCCJ, was represented by the Vicar General, Monsignor Martin Agwee, who served as the main celebrant and delivered the Archbishop’s message during the homily. In his address, he encouraged the graduates to uphold strong ethical standards in their professional lives.
 
“This graduation opens the door to employment and further studies. Do not stop here—aim higher. Remember, true success will be measured not just by your qualifications, but by how you conduct yourself in the field, especially in the face of the patients, money, power, and other temptations,” Monsignor Agwee emphasized.
 
Graduates pose for a group photo
 
Dr. Odong Emintone Ayella, Medical Director and Chairman of the institute’s Internal Management Board, announced the launch of a two?year Diploma in Critical Care Nursing—a timely response to evolving healthcare needs and workforce development.
 
The cohort that studied between 2019 and 2025 produced a total of 579 graduates across various health disciplines. Of these, 212 were awarded Certificates in Nursing, while 65 received Diplomas in Nursing. In the field of midwifery, 141 earned Certificates, and 30 obtained Diplomas.
 
Additionally, 42 graduates completed a Certificate in Theatre Techniques, 64 earned Certificates in Medical Laboratory Technology, and 25 were awarded Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Technology.
 
Established in 1973 with just 10 nursing students, St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor Health Training Institute has grown into a beacon of excellence in healthcare education across Uganda and the East African region.
 
As of 2025, the institute boasts an enrollment of over 700 students, with a reputation for producing highly skilled and ethically grounded healthcare professionals.
 
Lacor Hospital itself, established in 1959 by the Comboni Missionaries, has grown from a small dispensary to a major faith-based, nonprofit healthcare provider with nearly 483 beds, serving as both a general hospital and a teaching site for Gulu University’s Faculty of Medicine. It continues to serve thousands of patients annually and remains committed to accessible medical care.