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.
