Kampala International University (KIU) has unveiled an ambitious plan to become one of Africa’s top 10 universities within the next decade as it expands postgraduate scholarships, strengthens research and deepens competence-based education to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing global economy.
The vision was outlined during the university’s 33rd graduation ceremony held at its Western Campus in Ishaka, where 1,844 students graduated in various disciplines.
Among the graduates were 100 students who attained first class degrees. More than half of the graduating class, representing 52.6%, completed programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s industrialisation and innovation agenda.
The event attracted senior government officials, legislators, diplomats, university leaders, parents, alumni, development partners and members of the public.
Representing President Museveni, the second deputy Prime Minister, Dr Crispus Kiyonga, urged graduates to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
He also stressed the importance of science and technology in driving Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
He told the graduands that their parents and the government had made significant sacrifices to support their education therefore they should not make 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,” he said.
The KIU vice chancellor Prof Muhammed Ngoma described the graduation ceremony 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 10 years,” Prof Ngoma said.
He said KIU continues to strengthen its position as a centre of academic excellence and remains the leading private university in the region. According to the vice chancellor, the university is ranked second overall in Uganda in the 2026 Webometrics rankings.
Prof Ngoma attributed the university’s growth to sustained investment in quality teaching, research, innovation and internationalisation.
He revealed that KIU’s research output and impact have doubled over the past two years, strengthening its reputation as one of Africa’s emerging research institutions.
Prof Ngoma said the university’s educational philosophy is built 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 said.
He further revealed that several major infrastructure projects are underway. These include a four-storey pharmacy complex expected to become one of the largest pharmacy facilities in East Africa, new staff accommodation, student hostels, sports facilities and a modern moot court for law students.
The university is also pursuing plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, an aquaculture complex and precision dairy farming projects in partnership with international institutions.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hassan Basajjabalaba, announced plans to significantly expand postgraduate education and scholarship opportunities.
He said the university intends to provide more than 1,000 scholarships annually to Ugandans, with a strong focus on postgraduate education and research.
Basajjabalaba revealed that KIU plans to support about 100 PhD candidates each year while increasing opportunities for Master’s degree students, especially women pursuing advanced studies.
He added that the university currently employs more than 400 staff members with doctoral qualifications and aims to double that number by 2030.
According to Dr Basajjabalaba, KIU recorded more than 3,500 research publications this year, with nearly half appearing in high-impact international journals.
He called on government to increase investment in higher education through expanded postgraduate funding, stronger research support, tax incentives for educational and medical institutions and continued internship opportunities for medical graduates.
Beyond academics, the graduation ceremony highlighted KIU’s growing contribution to national development through education, research, healthcare and community service.
