Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has urged graduates of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) to view the completion of their studies not as an end, but as a transition from preparation into a life of service and responsibility.
The Prime Minister made the remarks on Tuesday during UGHE’s graduation ceremony held at the university’s Butaro campus in Burera District, where 70 students were awarded degrees in medicine and global health delivery.
The ceremony was attended by First Lady Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, the Chancellor of UGHE; Dr. Jim Yong Kim; UGHE Chief Executive Officer Prof. Philip Cotton; senior government officials; and development partners.
The graduating class comprised 30 medical doctors who completed the integrated Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with a Master of Global Health Delivery (MBBS–MGHD), and 48 graduates who earned a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD), a postgraduate program focused on leadership, management, and implementation of health services at the global level.
Congratulating the graduates, Dr. Nsengiyumva said the milestone reflects years of discipline, resilience, and dedication to public service.
“This achievement represents years of hard work and a commitment to serving communities. Today, you move from preparation into responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Rwanda and the global community continue to face pressing health challenges, including emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, shortages of skilled health professionals, and financial constraints that affect health systems.
He emphasized that responding to such challenges requires more than clinical knowledge, calling for a strong understanding of health systems, effective service delivery, and evidence-based decision-making.
Dr. Nsengiyumva stressed that Africa’s development depends on strong health systems and professionals guided by integrity and values, reaffirming Rwanda’s continued investment in higher education for health.
“UGHE is an African institution with a continental mission. The diversity of this graduating class—drawn from seven African countries and one European country—reflects a shared purpose to improve health systems across our continent,” he said.
He assured graduates that Rwanda will always be a home to them, regardless of their country of origin, and encouraged them to uphold professionalism, accountability, and a spirit of service throughout their careers.
UGHE Chief Executive Officer Prof. Philip Cotton said the university equips its graduates with the skills and values needed to expand access to quality healthcare for Rwandans, Africans, and communities beyond the continent.
He commended the Government of Rwanda and development partners for their continued support, which he said has enabled UGHE to deliver education that directly addresses real-world health challenges.
“Today is a special moment for UGHE. We are grateful to all those who have believed in and supported this institution, as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates,” Prof. Cotton said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding students who demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership across various programs.
During the same event, First Lady Mrs. Jeannette Kagame was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her contribution to advancing education, health, gender equality, and national unity in Rwanda.
