The ceremony was also attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who, as part of her visit, paid tribute at the resting place of Dr Paul Farmer, the late co-founder of UGHE, whose vision continues to shape the university’s role in global health education.

Addressing graduates and invited guests, the Prime Minister highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to advancing health education as a cornerstone for Africa’s long-term development, describing UGHE as an African institution with a continental mission.

“UGHE is an African institution with a continental purpose, hosted in Rwanda and designed to serve Africa. Graduates, whether you were born here or joined us later, please rest assured that Rwanda will always be your home,” Dr Nsengiyumva said, underscoring Rwanda’s hospitality and its ambition to serve as a hub for health education and innovation on the continent.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Africa’s progress depends on the strength and resilience of its systems, supported by a skilled and accountable workforce.

“Africa’s progress will depend on strong and resilient systems supported by a skilled and accountable workforce. That is why Rwanda, together with its partners, is investing in the expansion of medical education at all levels,” he said.

He added that these investments are aimed at building sustainable and resilient health systems capable of addressing both current and future health challenges across Africa.

During the same ceremony, UGHE graduated a total of 78 students, including 30 from the integrated MBBS Master of Global Health Delivery (MGHD) program the first cohort to complete the six-and-a-half-year dual-degree track and 48 graduates from the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery program.

UGHE officials noted that the university’s mission is to train health leaders equipped with strong clinical skills and a firm commitment to equity in healthcare delivery. Established in 2015, UGHE initially operated in Kayonza District before officially opening its Butaro Campus in Burera District in January 2019.

The institution attracts students from various countries, including the United States, Canada, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.

The graduation and anniversary celebrations marked a decade of UGHE’s contribution to global health education and reaffirmed Rwanda’s growing role in shaping Africa’s next generation of health leaders and advancing equitable healthcare delivery across the continent.