By William Opio
An unfortunate incident that occurred in 2003 nearly threw Robert Kamugisha’s life journey off balance. He was having his long holidays, after writing his end-of-A’level exams at Kigezi High School in southwestern Uganda. At the time, the only thing on Kamugisha’s mind was what course to pursue at university.
Then the unexpected happened; Kamugisha’s father passed away. The most immediate question in his mind after the incident was the fate of his studies. However, through the help of a friend, Kamugisha was able to enroll at Kagando School of Nursing and Midwifery the following year. That opportunity set him on a path that would define his career and impact lives.
Today, he serves as the interim Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the African University of Science and Management. He also heads the institution’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Since childhood, the discipline of health sciences has been close to the heart of Kamugisha, the first born in a family of five. When he was about six years old, during his immunization, the nurse who attended to him left a lasting impression.
“The care and love I received from the nurse was extraordinary,” Kamugisha recalls. “From that moment, I began to admire the profession.”
This early inspiration grew even stronger during his secondary school years at Kigezi High School, eventually shaping his decision to pursue nursing as a career. After the training in nursing, Kamugisha began his professional journey at Bwindi Community Hospital. His first posting was as the officer in charge of the facility’s pediatric ward. He excelled at this role and was eventually promoted to the position of Deputy Senior Nursing Officer, where he managed the hospital’s nursing services and coordinated patient care.
To be able to challenge himself more, Kamugisha returned to school. In 2010, he joined Uganda Christian University (UCU) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a course that would afford him the opportunity to have a comprehensive understanding of public health concepts and practices.
“UCU gave me wonderful memories,” he says. “The relationships we had with lecturers made learning meaningful.”
One of the most memorable aspects of Kamugisha’s time at UCU was the institution’s community worship, a one-hour, staff-and-student lunch time fellowship held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The session focuses on praise, worship and spiritual nurturing. This concept left such an impression on Kamugisha that he later introduced a similar practice in the institution where he works today.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Kamugisha returned to Bwindi Community Hospital, where he was appointed Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services. In 2015, he returned to UCU, this time to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing.
During his master’s studies, he had the opportunity to visit Bethel University in the United States of America. He says the exposure broadened his understanding of nursing education and inspired him to improve training systems back home. One of his notable contributions after this visit was developing a skills laboratory for nursing students, an essential facility that allows learners to practice clinical skills before interacting with patients.
Once Kamugisha was done with his master’s degree, he was appointed Principal of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Under his leadership, the institution transitioned into the African University of Science and Management. On July 15, 2025, the university was officially established and licensed by the regulator, Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education. Kamugisha has returned to UCU, once again, and is pursuing a PhD in Education Administration and Management.
As the interim Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the African University of Science and Management, Kamugisha’s responsibilities include financial management, human resource oversight, strategic planning, policy development and resource mobilization. At the School of Nursing and Midwifery, he ensures that students receive comprehensive training through classroom learning, skills laboratory sessions and clinical practice. His typical day begins with morning devotions with staff and students before attending meetings, supervising projects, reviewing reports and monitoring performance indicators.
Beyond the university, Kamugisha is a member of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, where he participates in strengthening the nursing profession in the country. He also serves as an executive member of the Association of Principals of Health Training Institutions in Uganda, helping to guide the development of health training institutions.
Like many professionals balancing work and family, Kamugisha acknowledges that challenges have been part of his journey. One of the most difficult periods came while he was pursuing his master’s degree, which he did while continuing to manage family responsibilities. His wife, who is also a nurse, plays an important role in supporting his career. When faced with professional challenges, he says he often turns to her for advice and encouragement.
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