KIU, Ghent University Explore Strategic Global Partnership Across Campuses

KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) proudly hosted a distinguished delegation from Ghent University, Belgium, in a landmark two-campus engagement aimed at strengthening international academic collaboration.

Led by Vice Rector Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, the delegation visited KIU’s Western Campus in Ishaka on Thursday, August 21st, and the Main Campus in Kampala on Thursday, August 28th, 2025 marking a pivotal moment in KIU’s global outreach efforts.

The visit focused on deepening ties through joint research initiatives, student and staff exchanges, curriculum development, and innovation-driven partnerships. Central to these discussions was the shared institutional capacity of both universities to deliver hands-on medical education through their respective teaching hospitals.

At the Western Campus, the delegation from Ghent University came alongside partners from HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Howest University of Applied Sciences both in Belgium, toured the Campus including the KIU Teaching Hospital and Research (KIUTHR). They were received by the DVC Western Campus, Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga; Deputy University Secretary, Asiat Mbabazi, the ADVC Academics and Research, Dr. Ibrahim Babangida; the CEO of KIUTHR, Dr. Umi Buni Omar, and other members of the management and administration at the Western Campus.

KIUTHR a cornerstone of clinical training and community healthcare in Uganda, mirrors Ghent University’s advanced medical and veterinary hospitals, which serve as hubs for interdisciplinary learning, patient care, and cutting-edge research.

During the Main Campus engagement, KIU’s leadership headed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Ngoma welcomed the Ghent delegation and led high-level discussions to identify strategic areas of collaboration.

Prof. Ngoma remarked, “KIU’s Teaching Hospital, a cornerstone of clinical training and community healthcare in Uganda, mirrors Ghent University’s robust medical and veterinary hospitals, which serve as hubs for advanced research, patient care, and interdisciplinary learning”.

This shared foundation laid the groundwork for meaningful conversations around clinical research, medical internship exchange, and comparative curriculum design in health sciences. Both institutions presented overviews of their academic programmes, faculties, and research publications.

These presentations were led by KIU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovations, Consultancy & Extensions (RICE), Prof. Regina Ejemot-Nwadiaro; Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Dr. Mundu Mustafa; Ghent University Vice Rector Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe; and Head of the Centre for Speech & Language Sciences (CESLAS), Prof. Kristiane Van Lierde.

Following these presentations, the universities explored opportunities to co-develop modules in public health, anatomy, rehabilitation sciences, physiotherapy, speech language and hearing sciences, physical education, and movement sciences. These initiatives aim to leverage each institution’s practical training environments to enhance student competencies and global readiness.

Key Outcomes of the Collaboration Discussions:

• Joint Research Initiatives: Launch of collaborative projects addressing regional and global health challenges
• Academic Exchange: Commitment to student and staff mobility for skills transfer and cross-cultural learning
• Curriculum Development: Sharing of academic resources and co-designing innovative programmes
• Technology & Innovation: Focus on applied sciences and sustainable health solutions
• Funding Opportunities: Exploration of EU frameworks such as Horizon Europe to support joint ventures

Both KIU and Ghent University reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing transformative academic and research partnerships that contribute to improved healthcare delivery, community development, and the training of future global professionals.

By aligning their academic and clinical strengths, both institutions are assured to deliver impactful research and educational experiences that rise above borders.

In addition, the partnership is well positioned to drive innovation through joint projects in applied medical technologies, telemedicine, and sustainable health solutions, drawing on Ghent University’s expertise in European research frameworks and KIU’s deep engagement with regional health priorities.

Other Ghent University Delegation Members Included:

• Prof. Annelies Verdoolaege – International Relations Office; African Languages/Cultures, Literature, Global Partnerships
• Prof. Cindy De Muynck – Department of Public Health & Primary Care; Medical Internship Exchange
• Herve Monka Lekuya – Brain & Spine Surgeon; Anatomy, Medical Education

This two-campus engagement marks a significant step forward in KIU’s internationalisation agenda and its commitment to building strategic partnerships that advance global education, research, and innovation.