By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, MAIN Campus-KIU’S Vice-chancellor Prof.Mouhamad Mpezamihigo, standing in for the University chancellor prof. Mahmood Mamdani has today conferred over 2394 students with PhD, degrees and diplomas in different academic disciplines.

Among the 2394 graduands,19 have distinguished themselves with first-class and the percentage of female graduands has raised slightly higher with their percentage now at 43 while the males maintained the lead at 57%. The main campus contributed the majority of graduands with 52% at the expense of the western campus which contributed 48% of the graduands.

This was KIU’S first physical graduation ceremony after the Covid-19 lockdown. It has been blessed by several dignitaries, distinguished scholars and personalities including the chief guest, former chancellor of Makerere University prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, chairman, board of Trustees, KIU, Al-hajji Dr Hassan Basajjabala, the former cabinet minister in charge of the general duties office of the prime minister, Hon.Mary Kororo Okurut, business Mogul Muhammad Kirumira among others.

In his speech, the guest speaker, Prof.George Mondo Kagonyera praised KIU’S resilience during the COVID-19 lockdown. He noted that KIU is among the very few institutions that stood the COVID-19 challenge and one of those that quickly adapted to the e-learning and long-distance mode of teaching.

‘’I take note and happily so that KIU is one of the few Universities that stood the COVID-19 challenges and not only quickly adapted to the long-distance and e-learning and even held three virtual graduation ceremonies,’’ he said.

‘’This is indeed a sign of being the leading private university because you proved your worth and demonstrated that even in the times of the lockdown, you could work so hard to ensure continuity of the core university activities, ’he added.

Prof.Kagonyera also said that he was very optimistic that the graduands KIU is sending into the world will use the knowledge they have achieved to thrive in various fields. He advised other universities to use KIU as a learning example 

‘I appeal to other Universities to benchmark with KIU and take some hard lessons,’’ he said.  

He advised the graduands to embrace knowledge and urged them to become knowledge ambassadors where ever they go. He said that, ‘Whereas most people focus much more on skills and competencies, it is important that we understand the value of knowledge because it is the bedrock of all human progress.’’ 

"Knowledge breeds wisdom and understanding and I, therefore, appeal to you to live a life driven by the value of knowledge. Seek it as much as you can and determine how to apply it for your own good, your community and the global society,’ he said.

‘So, I urge you to be hardworking, exercise honesty, patience and fairness in whatever you will be doing,’’ he advised.

Al-Hajji Dr Hassan Basajjabala, the chairman board of trustees assured the congregation that KIU will continue to evolve in all aspects including signing more partnerships the world over to enhance research and innovations. 

He called upon both parents and students to maintain the good deed of defending and promoting the name of KIU.