Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva: UGHE graduates expected to lead transformational change in Health Care in Rwanda and Africa
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has told graduates of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) that the dedication and commitment they demonstrated throughout their years of study give strong hope for the transformation they are expected to bring to the health sector in Rwanda, across Africa, and beyond.
He made these remarks on Sunday, January 25, 2026, during celebrations marking 10 years of UGHE’s operations in Rwanda. The event was combined with a graduation ceremony for students who completed various medical and health-related programs.
In his address, he said:“This milestone represents years of hard work, discipline, and a clear commitment to serving communities. Today, you move from preparation into a phase of responsibility.”
Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva emphasized that UGHE graduates are expected to be competent professionals not only in providing medical care, but also in decision-making and improving the quality of services within the health system.
“You are expected to serve not only as clinicians, but also as leaders of institutions, contributors to improved service delivery, and participants in health-sector decision-making,” he said.
The Head of Government also commended the contribution of the late Dr. Paul Farmer in advocating for equitable access to affordable health care for all.
“The late Dr. Paul Farmer championed the principle that health care is a right for everyone. This principle continues to guide UGHE and to support the development of the health sector,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of UGHE, Prof. Philip Cotton, stated that graduates from the university are equipped with the knowledge needed to ensure that Rwandans, Africans, and people from other parts of the world can access quality health care.
Prof. Cotton also praised the Government of Rwanda and UGHE’s partners for their continued support in enabling the university to provide high-quality education that addresses real challenges within the health sector.
“Today is a very special day. We are grateful to our supporters and all those who trusted us to reach this joyful moment as we celebrate UGHE graduates,” he said.
Dr. Heritier Mfura, who has spent more than six years studying at UGHE and has completed both his second and third levels of training, said that all 30 students who began the program together successfully completed their studies.
“All 30 students who started this journey together have completed their studies and are graduating today,” he said.
“We were trained to understand that caring for people’s health is a fundamental human right. As we graduate, we commit ourselves to upholding the values of UGHE and Partners In Health.”
Fred Collins Nkotanyi, the Chief Operating Officer of the University of Global Health Equity, noted that the core objective behind establishing UGHE was to increase the number of skilled professionals in the health sector.
