By Aggrey Twesigye
Students from the Ankole Sub-region pursuing health-related courses have petitioned the Ministry of Education and Sports, calling for the suspension of the proposed interview-based admission system for diploma health courses for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The students, operating under the Ankole Health Students Association-Mulago (AHESAM), argue that the Technical Vocational Education and Training department introduced the system without proper legal backing.
AHESAM, which brings together students from 13 districts in the Ankole sub-region, including Mbarara City, Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Kiruhura and Ibanda, says the new admission process contradicts the established procedure used for Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education candidates.
Speaking to journalists in Mbarara City on Tuesday, AHESAM President Canary Barekye criticized the move to subject students to oral interviews before admission, saying it conflicts with the current Public Universities Joint Admissions Board and Joint Admissions Board application procedures.
Barekye maintained that neither the TVET Act nor the National Development Plan IV for 2025/26–2029/30 provides for interview-based admissions for diploma direct entrants in health training institutions.
Derrick Musiimirwe explained that under the current arrangement, Senior Six candidates only fill out admission forms indicating their preferred courses and institutions, after which successful candidates are admitted based on academic performance.
He said the proposed changes have created uncertainty among students, with some still unsure whether they qualify for government sponsorship or private admission despite the new semester already beginning.
Another student leader, Timothy Atwine said consultations with education stakeholders, including UNEB, Makerere University and Kyambogo University, revealed that admissions to universities and other tertiary institutions are mandated to departments responsible for admissions, scholarships and student affairs.
Atwine added that although the students had written to several relevant offices seeking intervention, no action had been taken. He noted that the Health Education and Training department under TVET had already released a shortlist of candidates expected to sit oral interviews.
When contacted, Moses Kasakya confirmed receiving the petition and said the matter had been forwarded to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education for appropriate handling.
