About the School

Founded in 2003, as the exclusive faculty (Faculty of Medicine) of the Bugando University College of Health Sciences (BUCHS), itself a component of the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). Its establishment was driven by a clear vision: to emerge as a preeminent Tanzanian Catholic institution dedicated to excellence in healthcare, education, and research, all the while addressing the needs of society. This initiative was rooted in the Tanzania Episcopal Conference’s (TEC) fundamental goal to create a hub in Tanzania for developing highly skilled and morally grounded health sector professionals. These professionals would not only push the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also deliver superior healthcare services to individuals and communities alike. Doctor of Medicine program was the only course during the start of the faculty. In 2006, training of Master of Medicine in different specialties started. In 2010 the faculty started to offer Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences degree and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in various fields of medicine. With establishment of other faculties, in 2011 BUCHS was transformed into full- fledged university, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences. The faculty of Medicine was then converted to school, the Weill Bugando School of Medicine (WBSoM). The school’s name pays tribute to Sandy Weill of Citigroup, marking the institution’s first collaborative partnership. In 2019, the school started to offer Bachelor of Sciences in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy and Master of Science in Clinical Microbiology and Diagnostic Molecular Biology programs. Situated within the confines of the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, the school benefits greatly from its location. BMC, a hospital with 870 beds, doubles as a teaching and consultancy hub, alongside providing medical services. The hospital’s ownership lies with the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, and it caters to approximately a third of Tanzania’s populace, estimated at 44.5 million. The strategic positioning of the university within the Lake Zone’s seven regions significantly enhances its clinical training capabilities for students.