Kabale University Surgical Society (KUSS) Equips Medical Students with Essential Surgical Skills

Kabale, Uganda | 11 September 2026 — The Kabale University Surgical Society (KUSS) has strengthened practical surgical training for medical students through a three-day Essential Surgical Skills Seminar held from 4th to 6th September 2026 at Jophan Hostel, Makanga.

The training brought together medical students undertaking surgical rotations, providing them with hands-on exposure to fundamental surgical procedures and complementing their classroom-based theoretical learning with practical clinical skills.

A total of 28 Year Five medical students participated in the programme over two days, while 24 Year Three students attended a dedicated one-day training session. The initiative was aimed at enhancing students’ procedural competence, confidence and preparedness for clinical practice.

Expert-Led Practical Training

The seminar was facilitated by consultant surgeons and surgical residents from Kabale University and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, providing students with an opportunity to learn directly from experienced surgical practitioners.

The consultant faculty comprised Dr. Mugarura Robert, Head of the Department of Surgery at Kabale University; Dr. Gamukama Tuhaise, Head of Surgery at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital; Dr. Owamukama E. Asaph, Orthopedic Surgeon; Dr. Asiimwe Daniel, General Surgeon; and Dr. Turanzomwe Stuart, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

The surgical residents included Dr. Nek Arthur, Dr. Charles Tumwesigye, Dr. Odulusi Daniel, Dr. Alinda Irene, Dr. Ahumuza Rebecca, Dr. Aggrey Ayebazibwe and Dr. Tiko Annet.

Each resident led a designated practical training station, while the consultant surgeons provided overall supervision, mentorship and quality assurance throughout the programme.

Building Practical Surgical Competence

Students were trained in a range of essential surgical procedures and techniques, including surgical scrubbing, tendon repair, bowel resection and anastomosis, stoma procedures, uterine repair, burr-hole and craniotomy techniques, chest tube insertion, abdominal incision and closure, and venous cut-down.

The Year Three session additionally covered cervical spine stabilization and suturing techniques, giving students an early introduction to fundamental procedural skills.

The training followed a structured, competency-focused approach. Each session began with a theoretical introduction to the procedure, followed by a step-by-step demonstration and supervised hands-on practice.

Students were divided into smaller groups and rotated through the different practical stations. The consultants and surgical residents moved between stations to provide guidance, answer questions and ensure consistency and accuracy in the techniques being demonstrated.

Particular emphasis was placed on sterile technique, patient safety, teamwork and procedural accuracy, reinforcing the importance of these principles in delivering safe and effective surgical care.

Strengthening the Link Between Classroom and Clinical Practice

The seminar provided an important platform for students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills under the guidance of experienced surgical professionals.

Despite challenges, including limited time for individual practice and shortages of some training materials, particularly sutures, the training was considered highly beneficial to the participating students.

The hands-on nature of the programme, coupled with expert supervision, enabled students to gain practical exposure to procedures that are essential to their development as future medical practitioners.

The initiative further underscores the role of KUSS in supporting practical medical education and creating opportunities for students to enhance their clinical preparedness beyond the conventional classroom setting.

KUSS Calls for Expanded Surgical Skills Training

Following the successful seminar, KUSS has recommended that similar practical surgical skills training sessions be organised more frequently and that surgical skills education be introduced earlier in the medical training programme.

According to the Society, early and progressive exposure to practical procedures would allow students to develop their procedural competence gradually as they advance through medical school.

Through initiatives such as the Essential Surgical Skills Seminar, Kabale University Surgical Society continues to contribute to the development of competent, confident and clinically prepared medical professionals, while strengthening the University’s commitment to practical, student-centered medical education.

The program also highlights the importance of collaboration between Kabale University, its teaching departments and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in providing students with meaningful clinical learning opportunities providing students with an opportunity to learn directly from experienced surgical practitioners.

Each resident led a designated practical training station, while the consultant surgeons provided overall supervision, mentorship and quality assurance throughout the program.

Building Practical Surgical Competence

Students were trained in a range of essential surgical procedures and techniques, including surgical scrubbing, tendon repair, bowel resection and anastomosis, stoma procedures, uterine repair, burr-hole and craniotomy techniques, chest tube insertion, abdominal incision and closure, and venous cut-down.

The Year Three session additionally covered cervical spine stabilization and suturing techniques, giving students an early introduction to fundamental procedural skills.

The training followed a structured, competency-focused approach. Each session began with a theoretical introduction to the procedure, followed by a step-by-step demonstration and supervised hands-on practice.

Students were divided into smaller groups and rotated through the different practical stations. The consultants and surgical residents moved between stations to provide guidance, answer questions and ensure consistency and accuracy in the techniques being demonstrated.

Particular emphasis was placed on sterile technique, patient safety, teamwork and procedural accuracy, reinforcing the importance of these principles in delivering safe and effective surgical care.

Strengthening the Link Between Classroom and Clinical Practice

The seminar provided an important platform for students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills under the guidance of experienced surgical professionals.

Despite challenges, including limited time for individual practice and shortages of some training materials, particularly sutures, the training was considered highly beneficial to the participating students.

The hands-on nature of the program, coupled with expert supervision, enabled students to gain practical exposure to procedures that are essential to their development as future medical practitioners.

The initiative further underscores the role of KUSS in supporting practical medical education and creating opportunities for students to enhance their clinical preparedness beyond the conventional classroom setting.

KUSS Calls for Expanded Surgical Skills Training

Following the successful seminar, KUSS has recommended that similar practical surgical skills training sessions be organized more frequently and that surgical skills education be introduced earlier in the medical training program.

According to the Society, early and progressive exposure to practical procedures would allow students to develop their procedural competence gradually as they advance through medical school.

Through initiatives such as the Essential Surgical Skills Seminar, Kabale University Surgical Society continues to contribute to the development of competent, confident and clinically prepared medical professionals, while strengthening the University’s commitment to practical, student-centered medical education.

The program also highlights the importance of collaboration between Kabale University, its teaching departments and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in providing students with meaningful clinical learning opportunities.