By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus -January Intake students were officially introduced to life as well as the do's and don't's of KIU during an Orientation Ceremony held in the University Main Hall on Friday 2nd February 2024.

The guest of honour at the event was Prof. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo, the Vice-Chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU). In his speech, he emphasized the importance of induction and orientation while warning the new students against going astray since majority are being introduced to a very strange but tempting environment.

"The main purpose of this function is to help you transit from Secondary and tertiary life to University education," he explained.

Prof.Mpezamihigo also highlighted the fact that fresh men and women are always prone to excitement and peer pressure which end up ruining not only their pursuit for academic success but also their health.

"Do not engage in any peer groups. If you left your secondary schools without smoking, why should you do smoking at University? Is it because you have become adults? If you were not drinking and taking drugs, why should you think that now you have arrived," he inquired.

"You have a future ahead of you and the University is very very tough. The moment we find you engaged in any of those activities, we shall drop you because we don't want you to spoil the integrity of the University and also your own integrity. We want you to survive," The vice chancellor warned.

He requested the students to concentrate on the goal of achieving their respective academic qualifications.

"My core message to you young men and ladies, is I want you to survive for the period you have joined to do your program. If it is three years, please do us a favour, like you we are here today, and I want to stand there in the tent and graduate you."

"You can join sports, you can do any other thing, you can join student leadership but your core business is to study. You came to attain a qualification but don't become bookworms. You must have a social life, but measured social life."

During her address, the university secretary Ms, Asiati Mbabazi extended congratulations to the new students for choosing Uganda's premier private university. Additionally, she encouraged Ugandan nationals to seize the opportunity of the 50% bursary offer and advised them to steer clear of shortcuts that could lead them into the hands of fraudsters looking to deceive them.

“As a learner, if you are focused, everything is possible. As KIU, we like to be associated with people of integrity" stated Asiati Mbabazi, the University Secretary.

The president of the guild extended a warm welcome to the new students, assuring them that they will enjoy their stay at the leading private University in the country.

“I would like to welcome you to the best University in the land and am happy to tell you that you will enjoy being at KIU, please when you are here, concentrate, aim for the best and keep within your means. Don't go for expensive things,” Guild President Godfrey Agaba

The orientation ceremony on Friday witnessed the representation of every department and directorate, ranging from top administration to security, as well as the student leadership led by Guild President Godfrey Agaba.