Kampala International University (KIU) has unveiled an ambitious vision to become one of Africa’s top ten universities within the next decade, while expanding postgraduate scholarship opportunities, deepening research excellence, and strengthening competency-based education to produce graduates equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
The commitment was reaffirmed during the university’s 33rd Graduation Ceremony held at the KIU Western Campus in Ishaka, where 1,844 students graduated across various disciplines. Among them were 100 First Class graduates, while 52.6 percent completed programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reflecting the institution’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s science, innovation and industrialization agenda.
The ceremony, held under the theme”Fostering Sustainable Innovations and Future-Ready Graduates through Competence-Based Education,”** attracted senior government officials, legislators, diplomats, university leaders, parents, alumni, development partners, and members of the public in a celebration that underscored the growing role of higher education in shaping Uganda’s future.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga challenged graduates to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism as they transition into the next phase of their lives. He also emphasized the importance of science and technology in driving Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering, KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma described the graduation as a celebration of resilience, achievement, innovation, and the transformative power of higher education.
“Our ambition, Mr. Chancellor and distinguished guests, is to be among the top 10 universities in Africa within the next ten years,” Prof. Ngoma said.
He noted that KIU continues to strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence, maintaining its position as the leading private university in the region and the second-ranked university overall in Uganda according to the 2026 Webometrics Rankings. The Vice Chancellor attributed this success to deliberate investments in quality teaching, research, innovation, and internationalization.
According to Prof. Ngoma, the university’s research output and impact have doubled over the past two years, further cementing KIU’s reputation as one of Africa’s emerging research institutions. He revealed that the university’s long-term strategy focuses on producing graduates capable of addressing real-world challenges while contributing to national and continental development.
A key pillar of that strategy is the implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET).
“We have strengthened the implementation of competence-based education and training to ensure our graduates are not only academically sound but also innovative and industry-ready,” he said.
Prof. Ngoma explained that KIU’s educational philosophy is anchored on four core values: Competence, Confidence, Character, and Competitiveness.
“At KIU, we believe our graduates must be competent, confident and competitive in the marketplace while possessing strong character,” he added.
He emphasized that the shift towards competency-based learning should not be viewed merely as compliance with national policy but as a transformative approach aimed at producing graduates who can innovate, create jobs, solve societal problems, and drive economic growth.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted the university’s investments in digital transformation, e-learning platforms, blended learning systems, community engagement programmes, and international partnerships. Today, KIU hosts students from more than 40 countries, reinforcing its status as a truly international institution.
Prof. Ngoma also outlined several major infrastructure projects currently underway. These include a four-storey pharmacy complex expected to become one of the largest pharmacy facilities in East Africa, new staff accommodation blocks, student hostels, sports facilities, and a state-of-the-art moot court for law students. The university is additionally pursuing plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, an aquaculture complex, and precision dairy farming projects in partnership with international institutions to strengthen practical training, research, and innovation.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, outlined KIU’s ambitious plans to expand postgraduate education, strengthen research capacity, and increase scholarship opportunities for Ugandans.
He announced that the university is embarking on a major scholarship programme targeting more than 1,000 Ugandans annually, with particular emphasis on postgraduate education and the advancement of research.
“As a university, we are embarking on an ambitious programme to provide over 1,000 scholarships annually to Ugandans,” Dr. Basajjabalaba said.
He revealed that KIU plans to support approximately 100 PhD candidates annually while significantly increasing opportunities for Master’s degree students, particularly female scholars pursuing advanced studies.
The Board Chairperson noted that KIU currently employs more than 400 staff members with doctoral qualifications and aims to double that number by 2030 as part of its strategy to build one of the strongest academic and research teams in the region.
“Currently, KIU has over 400 staff members with PhDs. By 2030 and beyond, our objective is to double this number and continue building one of the strongest academic teams in the region,” he said.
Dr. Basajjabalaba also highlighted the university’s growing research footprint, revealing that KIU recorded more than 3,500 research publications this year, with nearly half appearing in high-impact international journals.
“This year, KIU has recorded more than 3,500 research publications, with approximately half appearing in high-impact journals,” he said.
He called upon government to strengthen investment in higher education through expanded postgraduate funding, enhanced research support, tax incentives for educational and medical institutions, and the preservation of internship opportunities for medical graduates.
Beyond the speeches and celebrations, the graduation ceremony reflected KIU’s broader contribution to national development through education, research, healthcare, innovation, and community engagement. The university’s teaching and research hospital in Ishaka continues to play a significant role in patient care, medical training, disease prevention, public health surveillance, and specialized healthcare services.
The colourful ceremony was professionally co-hosted by **Shawn Kimuli, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Kampala International University, and Joel Isabirye, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism**. Their engaging moderation and seamless management of proceedings provided a fitting backdrop to a celebration that brought together leaders from government, academia, industry, and the diplomatic community.
For the graduating class, the ceremony represented far more than the attainment of academic qualifications. It marked the beginning of a new chapter defined by leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and service to society.
As Uganda continues its journey towards a knowledge-based economy, the message from KIU’s leadership was unmistakable: the future belongs to graduates who are adaptable, innovative, technologically competent, ethically grounded, and committed to transforming challenges into opportunities.
With ambitious expansion plans, a rapidly growing research profile, substantial investments in infrastructure, and a renewed focus on competency-based education, Kampala International University is positioning itself as a leading force in higher education, research, and innovation, not only in Uganda but across the African continent.
Address by the Guest of Honour, Crispus Walter Kiyonga who serves as the Second Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
President Museveni’s speech in full bellow;
Delivered on Behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda
Thank you very much, distinguished guests.
The Guest of Honour for this occasion was originally supposed to be His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda. However, as we all appreciate, the demands on his time are immense. Consequently, he delegated me to represent him at this important ceremony. To further ease my assignment, His Excellency provided a written speech, which I now have the honour of delivering on his behalf.
Salutations
The Chairman, Board of Trustees;
The Chancellor;
The Vice Chancellor;
Honourable Ministers Present;
Honourable Members of Parliament;
The Chairperson of the University Council;
Members of the University Council;
The Management and Staff of Kampala International University;
Parents and Guardians;
Graduates;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Congratulations to the Graduates
On this special occasion, I wish to congratulate all the graduates upon the successful completion of your studies at Kampala International University.
This achievement marks an important milestone in your academic journey and stands as a testament to your commitment, sacrifice, discipline, and determination throughout your years of study. Today, you celebrate the rewards of hard work and perseverance, and you should be proud of what you have accomplished.
I also extend my sincere appreciation to the parents and guardians who provided the necessary support, encouragement, and resources that enabled these graduates to reach this important stage in their lives.
Appreciation to KIU Leadership
I commend the leadership and staff of Kampala International University for the significant contribution they continue to make towards the development of Uganda’s human resource capacity.
In particular, I thank Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba for his vision, dedication, and leadership in founding and developing this great institution of higher learning. For more than twenty-five years, Kampala International University has played an important role in producing skilled professionals who continue to serve in various sectors across Uganda and beyond.
I am pleased to note that KIU has expanded considerably over the years, growing from a single campus to three campuses, including one located in Tanzania. This growth demonstrates the institution’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and strengthening regional integration.
Relevance of Academic Programmes
I also commend the university for responding to the National Resistance Movement’s guidance regarding the teaching of programmes that are relevant to the labour market and private sector needs.
One of the major causes of unemployment among graduates is the pursuit of academic programmes that do not adequately match current market demands. Many graduates find themselves searching for employment opportunities in fields with limited demand, while critical sectors continue to face shortages of skilled professionals.
Today, there is an increasing need for specialists in areas such as:
* Artificial Intelligence (AI)
* Machine Learning
* Data Science
* Cybersecurity
* Digital Forensics
* Information Technology
* Engineering and Applied Sciences
It is therefore important for teachers, parents, guardians, and career advisors to guide students towards programmes that respond to the needs of the modern economy.
The Role of the Private Sector
The private sector remains the largest employer in the country. Consequently, university curricula must be designed to meet the labour requirements of the private sector and the wider economy.
Unlike previous regimes that constrained private sector growth and weakened its capacity to create jobs, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has worked to create a favourable environment for both local and foreign investment.
Today, Uganda enjoys improved infrastructure, including reliable electricity, better road networks, and sustained peace and stability. Building upon these achievements, the government is prioritising industrialisation to reduce excessive dependence on imported goods and promote local production.
However, industrialisation can only succeed if there is a skilled workforce capable of operating, managing, and innovating within these industries. As government continues to attract more investment, the demand for qualified and adaptable workers will continue to increase.
Preparing for a Changing Global Economy
The global economy is evolving rapidly, driven largely by advancements in science, technology, and innovation. Students and graduates must therefore remain responsive to these changes and continually equip themselves with relevant knowledge and skills.
The future belongs to those who are prepared to embrace innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. Institutions of higher learning have a responsibility to prepare graduates who can thrive in this changing environment and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Advice to Graduates
As you leave the university and begin the next chapter of your lives, I urge you to avoid reckless and destructive lifestyles.
Stay away from:
* Drunkenness
* Sexual promiscuity
* Extravagant spending
* Other behaviours that may undermine your future
Your parents and the Government have made significant sacrifices to support your education. It would be unfortunate to waste the opportunities that have been created for you through irresponsible choices.
Remember that education is both a privilege and a responsibility. Society expects you to use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to improve your lives, uplift your families, and contribute to the development of our nation.
A Call to Service
The Holy Bible, in Luke 12:48, reminds us:
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
You have been given the privilege of higher education, and therefore much is expected from you. You are called upon to become responsible citizens, ethical professionals, innovative thinkers, and agents of positive change in your communities and throughout Uganda.
Conclusion
Once again, I congratulate all the graduates on this important achievement. I wish you success in your careers and endeavours, and I encourage you to remain committed to excellence, integrity, and service to your country.
Thank you all for your attention.
May God bless you, and may God bless Uganda
