Ishaka, Bushenyi — Kampala International University (KIU) held its 31st graduation ceremony on Saturday at its Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi, marking not only the academic triumph of hundreds of students but also celebrating 25 years of transformative service in higher education.
Themed with jubilation and reflection, the ceremony recognized the accomplishments of graduates across various disciplines, including a record number in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), a field where KIU continues to lead in Uganda.
In his congratulatory message, Al-Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the KIU Board of Trustees, hailed the university’s remarkable journey:
“It was difficult to convince people that we could start a private medical school here, but we did. In 20 years, we’ve trained 4,500 doctors—1,000 of whom studied on full bursaries, and 1,500 on partial bursaries. Altogether, nearly 80,000 students have graduated from KIU.”
Basajjabalaba emphasized that over 30,000 of those graduates received bursary support, reflecting KIU’s strong commitment to inclusive education and national development.
Delivering a message on behalf of Hon. Kahinda Otafiire, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu inspired the graduates to become agents of transformation: “You are the salt and light of our communities. Go out there and make a difference.”
Amb. John Shama Shaga, Head of Mission at the Nigerian High Commission in Uganda, called on the graduates to pursue excellence in a rapidly evolving world: “You now carry the hopes and aspirations of your nations. Let the values you’ve gained at KIU guide your journey ahead.”
Prof. Muhammad Mpezamihigo, KIU Vice Chancellor, affirmed KIU’s unmatched impact in the STEM arena: “Over the years, it is only KIU that graduates the highest number of STEM students in the country. This directly aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040.”
Former University Council Chairperson Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, also a guest speaker, echoed the institution’s wider social impact: “I am proud to be associated with this institution—not just as someone from this area—but because of what it has done: creating jobs, building friendships, shaping lives.”
The event also recognized top performers, including Kintu Collins, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.81 in BBA Accounting & Finance. CPA Isaac Muzoora, representing the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), awarded him UGX 1 million and welcomed him into the professional accountancy community.
Notably, the graduation also conferred 15 doctoral degrees, further cementing KIU’s growing research and academic capacity. Among the new PhD graduates were Dr. Muhereza T. Franklin, Dr. Ruth Komunda Tumijukye, Dr. Tijani Naheem, and Dr. Sanusi Idris Olatunji, representing both local and international academic excellence.
Hon. Michael Mawanda, Chairperson of the University Council, reminded attendees: “Education is not just about what you know, but what you do with what you know.”
In a touching personal milestone, Kungu Al-Mahadi Adam, multimedia journalist and Station Manager at Radio 4 Uganda, graduated with a Master of Science in Mass Communication. His thesis on “International Media Propaganda and News Coverage of Ethiopia’s Tigray Conflict” reflected his dedication to understanding global media dynamics.
“I thank my beautiful wife, parents, and supervisors. This journey has been about passion, perseverance, and purpose,” Kungu noted.
Prof. Yunus Daud Mgaya, the Chancellor, closed the ceremony with a powerful message to the graduates:
“The degree you receive today is more than a certificate. It is a call to action—to serve your communities, your country, and the world with purpose and responsibility.”
As KIU celebrates its 25th anniversary and reflects on its 31st graduation, the institution continues to affirm its place as a cornerstone of private higher education in Uganda and the wider East African region.
