SAHS Career Guidance Event 2026 Prepares Finalists for Life Beyond University

KIU, Western Campus - The School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS) at Kampala International University, Western Campus (KIU‑WC), held its 2026 Career Guidance Event for finalist students on Wednesday, August 19th, at the University Main Hall. Organized through the Association of Students of Allied Health Sciences (ASAHS), the event brought together university leaders, alumni, professionals, and student representatives to guide finalists as they prepare for the transition into professional life.

The programme focused on helping students understand the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges of entering the health profession, while encouraging them to embrace continuous learning, professional development, networking, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Opening the event, Dr. Christina Mohnchimbare Mbongueh, Dean of SAHS and Patron of ASAHS, congratulated the finalists and encouraged them to view graduation not as the end of their journey, but as the beginning of a career dedicated to serving humanity. “University education should not end with the acquisition of a degree. It should prepare you to enter society as competent, ethical, responsible and innovative professionals who are ready to serve humanity,” she said.

Dr.  Mbongueh urged the finalists to use the guidance session to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of professional requirements, career pathways and opportunities for further education, research, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Adding to the opening guidance, Dr. Isa Asiimwe, SAHS Teaching and Learning Coordinator encouraged the finalists to take their professional responsibilities seriously, particularly the need for registration and continuous professional development. He also urged them to understand that their professional journey extends beyond obtaining academic qualifications, stressing that competence, ethical practice and continued growth would determine their success in the field.

The event then drew inspiration from KIU alumni, beginning with Dithan Nasasira, an alumnus of SAHS who has since been retained as a Teaching Assistant in the School and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Physiology. Sharing from his own transition from student to professional, Nasasira encouraged the finalists to remain open to learning and to recognize that opportunities can emerge from the relationships and experiences built while at university.

Another alumnus, H.E. Cliffton George Lamtoo, former Guild President of KIU-WC, challenged finalists to prepare themselves for the realities of life after university, particularly the possibility that their career journeys may unfold at different speeds.

Lamtoo cautioned against comparing one’s progress with that of former classmates. “Same class, same year, same graduation date, but one year down the road, this guy has got a job and for you, you still do not have. It will happen. But that should not demoralize you,” he said, encouraging students to use periods of uncertainty to identify areas for improvement, including strengthening their Curriculum Vitaes, developing soft skills, pursuing further training and exploring entrepreneurship.

The message of adaptability was echoed by Ronald Frank Ocero, a fifth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery student, who reminded finalists that life after university would not follow the same path for everyone. Ocero cautioned students against allowing differences in employment timelines, further education or financial circumstances to undermine their confidence.

“The experience that you have acquired from this environment alongside the papers you have, that is the extra you use outside there,” he noted, urging finalists to consider creating opportunities for themselves rather than waiting solely for formal employment.

The student leadership perspective was further represented by H.E. Adam Ssengooba, Vice Guild President, who encouraged finalists to remain intentional about their personal development. He reminded them that their university experience should not be limited to academic achievement, but should also equip them with the confidence, discipline and practical experience required to navigate life beyond campus.

From university quality assurance, Dr. Andrew Onchonga Nyakundi, Director of Quality Assurance and Monitoring (QA&M), reinforced the importance of professionalism and ensuring that graduates leave the university fully prepared for the expectations of the workplace.

The conversation then shifted to the broader responsibilities that come with becoming a health professional when Haulah Malkia, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, challenged the finalists to transition from academic achievement to meaningful impact.

Drawing from her experience as an administrator, educator and mentor to students, she reminded them that a certificate is only a representation of the education and experiences acquired at university. “Your graduation should be a moment where you start writing a story that your community will remember,” Malkia said.

Continuing the discussion on positioning oneself for success, Dr. Shamim Basajja, Resident Director and Deputy Director of QA&M, encouraged finalists to deliberately position themselves for opportunities rather than waiting for others to determine their career paths.

Drawing from her own professional journey, including her experience working at KIU before pursuing opportunities abroad and later returning to Uganda, Dr. Basajja emphasized the value of starting from the bottom, acquiring experience and identifying opportunities to create rather than merely seek employment. “Everywhere that you go, everywhere in the world, you have to learn to position yourself,” she said.

Speaking further, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Babangida, Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Research (ADVC-A&R) encouraged the finalists to look beyond Uganda and East Africa when considering professional opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of professional registration and further education, noting that opportunities exist for graduates to advance their careers and practice in different parts of the world. “Look beyond East Africa. Look into Europe, look into America. The opportunities are there,” Dr. Babangida encouraged.

Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, DVC, KIU-WC challenged the finalists to distinguish themselves through competence, confidence, professionalism and hard work. He reminded them that becoming KIU graduates would also make them ambassadors of the university, but urged them not to rely on the KIU name alone.

“What can the market outside there see in you that is different from a graduate of another university?” he asked.

Assoc. Prof. Mabonga further encouraged the finalists to make the most of their professional training so that employers and professional bodies can recognize the quality of graduates produced by KIU.

Representing the Guest of Honor, the President of the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC), H.E Alex Kachwano, Secretary General of AHPC, and KIU alumnus provided detailed guidance on professional regulation and the importance of continuous professional development. Kachwano encouraged finalists to remain connected to their professional associations, explaining that professional growth does not end with graduation.

He also highlighted opportunities for Ugandan allied health professionals beyond the country, including efforts to harmonize professional standards within the East African Community and facilitate mobility of professionals across borders.

“We should not rely and only base ourselves on our course, because it is not always the best. Professional associations are necessary,” he said, urging finalists to register with the relevant professional councils after completing their studies and to continue building competence within their chosen fields.

The leadership of ASAHS was also represented by its Education Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Ssengooba, who encouraged finalists to be intentional about their transition from student life into professional life and to remain committed to personal development. He reminded students that graduation would mark a new phase requiring greater self-discipline, planning and responsibility.

Meanwhile, H.E. Bright Besigye, Vice President and Chief Mobilizer of ASAHS, appreciated the students for responding to the mobilization efforts that brought them together for the career guidance session. He also commended the organizing committee for coordinating the event and encouraged students to continue participating in future activities organized by the association.

Closing the event, H.E Ivan Muhanguzi, President of ASAHS, thanked the university management, SAHS leadership, invited guests, staff, student leaders and finalists for contributing to the success of the career guidance session. He particularly appreciated the patron and organizing committee for their support and the students for their active participation.

“On behalf of the ASAHS, I thank you so much for coming,” Muhanguzi said, wishing the finalists success as they make decisions about their careers and further studies.

The event concluded with a shared message to the finalists: graduation is not the end of learning, but the beginning of professional responsibility, continuous growth and service to society.