By Felix Oketcho
Kampala International University (KIU) has strengthened its standing as one of Africa’s most dynamic and forward‑looking higher education institutions after receiving the prestigious European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) Quality Achievement Award. The ceremony, held yesterday at the prestigious Dusit Thani Hotel Dubai, brought together over 50 global leaders in academia, business, healthcare, construction, government agencies, diplomats and leaders in other sectors, from 49 countries.
Representing KIU, Professor Muhammed Ngoma, the Vice Chancellor, delivered an address that resonated with authenticity, pride and purpose. His words captured the essence of KIU’s journey, its achievements, and its unshakable commitment to transforming higher education on the African continent.
“Distinguished guests, fellow award winners, ESQR members, ladies and gentlemen, good morning to you. On behalf of Kampala International University, together with my Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Abanis Turyahebwa, you can wave to the people, it is our honour to be here this morning to receive this ESQR award,” he began, drawing warm applause from the international audience.
He expressed gratitude to ESQR for extending KIU a second opportunity to participate in person after the university missed the earlier ceremony in Stockholm. “We missed out on the function in Stockholm. Nonetheless, we are happy that ESQR agreed to invite us to receive this award here in Dubai today,” he noted.
Professor Ngoma then turned to the university’s evolution and rising influence. “Kampala International University leads the way in education excellence in the region. It is, therefore, our great honour that we have been singled out to receive this award. This award reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation and high‑quality education.”
Established in 2001, KIU has grown into East Africa’s largest private university. Its multicultural footprint is reflected in a student body drawn from more than forty countries and staff representing over thirty nationalities. “This clearly demonstrates our internationality,” he emphasised.
Today, KIU serves as a major regional hub for higher learning, offering an expansive range of academic programmes across multiple disciplines. These include: Medicine and Health Sciences; Pharmacy; Nursing; Engineering; Agriculture; Environmental Science; Law; Education; Business and Management; Computer Science; Information Technology; and Artificial Intelligence, alongside numerous programmes in science, social sciences and the humanities.
“We ensure that our students are well prepared for challenges in the rapidly changing world,” he said. “We strive to produce students who are competent, students who are confident, students with good character and therefore competitive in the job market but responsive to societal needs.”
Over the years, KIU has earned recognition as the number one private university in East Africa, supported by investments in cutting‑edge research, modern infrastructure and global partnerships. “These achievements have earned us recognition both regionally and internationally,” he added.
Reflecting on the significance of the ESQR accolade, Professor Ngoma stated: “This Quality Achievement Award symbolises our commitment to excellence and our desire to continue pushing boundaries in higher education. It is a recognition of the dedication and hard work that we have put into education in the region.”
Looking to the future, he reaffirmed KIU’s strategic priorities: “We focus on continuing growth, quality enhancement and expanding our global research outreach and collaborations.”
In a moving conclusion, he dedicated the award to KIU’s Founder and Chairman, Al Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba. “We dedicate this award to our Chairman, Board of Trustees, Al Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, who was also recently named the African Educationist of the Year 2025 for his visionary leadership and commitment to quality education across Africa.”
He ended with renewed optimism: “Thank you very much. We look forward to continuing our journey towards excellence.”
With this distinguished global recognition, KIU continues to solidify its place as a transformative force in African higher education, shaping minds, expanding opportunities and proudly representing East Africa on the world stage.
