KIU Celebrates 25 Years, Outs Thousands at 31st Graduation

KIU, WESTERN CAMPUS - Kampala International University (KIU) celebrated 25 years of academic excellence on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, and graduated over 2,214 students, with 914 female and 1,300 male students. Out of these, there were 16 PhD graduates, and over 56% of the graduates were STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates.

Founded in 2000 by the visionary Dr. Al Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, as an internationally focused education hub for students and scholars from Uganda, East Africa, Africa, and the rest of the globe, the university is celebrating years of academic excellence.

In an opening remark, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma welcomed everyone to KIU's Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi, where the celebrations were held for the first time in 25 years. "As we graduate future leaders, professionals, and innovators today, we not only gather to celebrate the 31st graduation ceremony but also 25 years of existence and the journey ahead," he added.

Dr. Basajjabalaba noted that the university is reputable for being the first private medical hospital in Uganda and East Africa. "We started this university from the ground up, and so far, we are the leading private university in the country. The development of the university has immensely contributed to the development of Ishaka town. With this in mind, we can even grow the town further by developing the university," he added.

He also highlighted the major contributions the university has made to the community, including student bursaries and staff development bursaries, which have enabled several individuals to attain world-class education, graduate, and contribute to society by evolving into innovators and professionals. "With the achievements attained thus far, we can do better by increasing the number of publications to improve our ranking," he added.

To the graduates, Dr. Basajjabalaba advised, "To be successful, you must be hardworking, consistent, and honest."

Speaking further, the Chief Guest of Honor, Prof. Ephrahim Kamuntu, congratulated the graduates on this milestone and advised them to keep holding the KIU banner high. "As you go out into the world, you must learn to think for yourselves and think rationally," he added. Delivering a message on behalf of Hon. Kahinda Otafiire, he also added, "You are the salt and light of your communities. Go out into the world and make a difference."

Above all, he also congratulated KIU's founder, Dr. Basajjabalaba, the Board of Trustees, the University Council, and the staff for the tremendous work done over the past 25 years. "The 25 years are a symbol of perseverance, the ability to gather resources, and teamwork. Given the diverse programs, it is evident that KIU has contributed to society and the presidential directive of skilling young people to liberate them from poverty," he added.

In unison, Hon. Michael Mawanda, the Chairperson of the University Council, thanked the administrators and staff for the work well done, the students for trusting KIU with their future, and the parents for bringing their children to the university for world-class education. "Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships both locally and internationally to extend our reach," he added.

As a take-home message, he tasked the graduates, "Do not rest on your award. The world is full of opportunities. Go face the world and utilize all opportunities because education is about what you can do with what you know," he concluded.

In attendance, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere cautioned the students to do all they can to create a legacy for themselves. "Your life starts from when you were born. With this in mind, you must do all you can to leave a legacy behind. Ask yourself what honor you are giving to your parents and society," he added. "The worst disease a man can suffer from is ignorance," Prof. Kabwegyere concluded.