EAC Centre of Excellence at the University of Rwanda Celebrates Fifth (...)

EAC Centre of Excellence at the University of Rwanda Celebrates Fifth Cohort of Health Supply Chain Graduates

The EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (UR/EAC RCE-VIHSCM), proudly celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort of Master’s in Health Supply Chain Management (MHSCM) students on October 17 2025, during the 11th University of Rwanda Graduation event held at Huye Campus.
This year, 38 professionals from the East African Community (EAC) Partner States of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania were awarded their Master’s degrees, bringing the total number of graduates from the programme to 173 since 2017.
The two-year, blended MHSCM programme equips learners with both technical and managerial skills, enabling them to study while continuing their professional roles in their home countries.

Graduates Share Their Reflections
Graduates shared heartfelt words of appreciation to the East African Community, the University of Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda, and the sponsors of the programme for making the initiative possible and for their continued commitment to regional development.
Pauline Otambo from Kenya expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Rwanda, the East African Community Secretariat, and the Regional Centre of Excellence team for their commitment and support in enabling the graduating class to pursue and complete the programme.
“We, sons and daughters of East Africa, have gained the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to transform healthcare systems in our countries. We go forth as ambassadors of this noble vision, determined to apply what we have learned for the benefit of our communities and the region at large. LONG LIVE EAC-RCE-VIHSCM-UR. Viva!”

Lydia Chemno (far left) and Pauline Otambo (far right) pose for a photo with fellow graduates from Kenya.

Lydia Chemno (Kenya) added: “I take this opportunity to express my warm appreciation to the entire Board of Governors, Directors and entire Teaching staff of the college of Medicine and Health Science for the unfailing support the accorded us from the time we joined until we completed. From the Nursing Department in where I work, this is the time to implement the knowledge, skills, and innovation gained for the betterment of vaccine and supply chain services in my country. The one mile that started has reached a thousand miles today, guided by the Lord and the University leadership”, she shared.

Kuol Peter (1st left) with graduates from South Sudan

From South Sudan, Kuol Peter Lual shared: “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the University of Rwanda’s Board of Governors, Directors, and Teaching Staff for their unwavering support and dedication over the past two years. Your commitment has shaped our future and equipped us with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in our communities.”

“We have learned that East African countries face similar challenges. We will apply the knowledge we gained to make our health supply chains more efficient through shared experiences, integrated systems and regional collaboration,” noted a one, Sinda Makenge from the Republic of Tanzania.

Icyishatse Olivier from Rwanda expressed that the Centre of Excellence significantly improved his ability to plan and order supplies, helping to reduce stock-outs and overstock. “I am optimistic that the skills gained will enable me to better manage the supply of medicines and health equipment, addressing ongoing challenges in the health supply chain.”