Government commends UGHE graduates as university marks 10 years in Rwanda

By Clementine Nyirangaruye.

The Government of Rwanda has commended graduates of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) for their commitment and discipline, saying their training places them in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the health sector in Rwanda, across Africa, and globally.

The remarks were delivered by Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva on Sunday, January 25, 2026, during celebrations marking a decade of UGHE’s operations in Rwanda.

The event was held at the university’s Butaro campus and coincided with the graduation of students in medicine and public health programmes.

The Prime Minister said the completion of studies at UGHE reflects years of perseverance, ethical conduct, and dedication to service, noting that graduates are transitioning from academic preparation to professional responsibility.

He stressed that the country expects them to play a critical role in improving healthcare delivery and strengthening health systems.

He further emphasised that UGHE graduates are trained not only as clinicians but also as leaders capable of managing health institutions, improving service quality, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making within the health sector.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the legacy of the late Dr Paul Farmer, describing his vision of equitable and affordable healthcare as a guiding principle that continues to shape UGHE’s mission and Rwanda’s broader health agenda.

The Vice Chancellor of UGHE, Prof Philip Cotton, said the university equips students with practical and ethical competencies aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly for underserved communities.

He credited the Government of Rwanda and development partners for their sustained support in enabling UGHE to deliver high-quality, impact-driven medical education.

UGHE officials noted that the institution was established to address critical health workforce gaps by training professionals committed to health equity and system-level change.

Since its establishment, the university has positioned itself as a regional hub for global health education and leadership.

Among the graduates, Dr Heritier Mfura, who completed both postgraduate and doctoral studies at UGHE over more than six years, said the cohort maintained a 100 per cent completion rate, reflecting the rigorous academic standards and strong student support systems at the university.

The Chief Operating Officer of UGHE, Fred Collins Nkotanyi, said the university’s core objective remains increasing the number of skilled health professionals capable of responding to current and future health challenges in Rwanda and beyond.