Ranked the best Private University in Uganda according the to the July 2025 Webometrics Rankings,”,Kampala International University passed out 2,385 graduates at the 32d graduation ceremony at Ishaka Bushenyi on Saturday.
Held under the theme: Empowering Graduates in the Era of Competence-Based Learning for a Sustainable Future,the 32nd graduation ceremony marked a historic milestone in the institution’s 25-year journey of academic excellence, scientific innovation and national relevance.
At the iconic Kampala International University Western Campus, the event celebrated graduates across science, health, humanities and professional studies and institutional achievements and the power of competence-based training.
“KIU enters this graduation season as the number one private university in Uganda and East Africa, and number two overall East Africa at KIU Western Campus centre of excellence in Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry,Pharmacy
Public Health,Biomedical Sciences,Applied Sciences,”Prof Mohammad Ngoma kIU VIce Chancellor remarked.
“The theme reflects KIU’s mission to prepare graduates with hands-on, practical, ethical and sustainable competencies aligned with modern industry demands.”Ngoma stated.
The Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and Research (KIU-THR) is Uganda’s largest private medical training facility and KIU’s primary hub for science, clinical education and research.
President Yoweri Museveni in his speech read by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa urged graduates to adopt healthy lifestyles, avoid alcohol, and focus on building wealth for their families.
“I want to urge the graduands, now graduates, to adopt healthy lifestyles. If you want to be patriotic and your family and country depend on you, you cannot be promiscuous; you cannot drink alcohol,” he said.
Museveni further advised the graduates to support their parents and guardians in building family wealth, and to nurture spirituality by reading the Bible or Quran emphasizing the importance of character and discipline.
“Do not think you will succeed simply because you have a degree. You will succeed because of your character, your effort, your big dreams, and your determination—not just connections.”he stated.
KIUChairman Board of Trustee Hassan Basajjabalaba, urged Government to grant tax exemptions on items such as laboratory materials for private universities, review the student loan scheme, and increase funding for research.
According Basajjabalaba,this will support KIU mission to prepare graduates with hands-on, practical, ethical and sustainable competencies aligned with modern industry demands
Commenting about the Challenges the university faces Ngoma underscored the growing student numbers, rapid industry and technological changes,Research funding limitations and employability demands.
As part of the solution,the university will focus on competence-based curricula to ensure practical training and industry alignment.
“KIU is expanding infrastructure, digital labs and blended learning systems. KIU will also expand on partnerships and postgraduate reforms to strengthen research productivity and stronger industry collaborations