Empowering Excellence: KIU's 32nd Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Graduates Prepared for Sustainable Future

By Annet Nakanwagi

KIU, Western Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) held its 32nd graduation ceremony at the Western Campus in Ishaka-Bushenyi District on Saturday, November 29, 2025, marking the second graduation event at this campus, a milestone in its history. The ceremony, themed "Empowering Graduates in the Era of Competence-Based Learning for a Sustainable Future," builds on KIU's 25th anniversary celebrations, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and shaping future leaders.

A total of 2,385 students graduated, with 1,433 being male and 952 female. The university also reported a notable distribution of graduates in various specialities, with 1,270 (53%) in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and 1,115 (47%) in Humanities.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma extended a warm welcome to all attendees, expressing pride in KIU's role as a key driver of the country's economic and social transformation. "Over the past 25 years, we have made significant strides in the academic sector and notable progress in research, contributing substantially to the nation's growth," he noted.

Prof. Ngoma congratulated the graduates on their achievement, saying, "Your perseverance, resilience, and dedication have brought you to this day. You are now ambassadors of excellence, integrity, and professionalism, which are the very values upon which this university stands."

In unison, Al-Hajj Dr. (Hon) Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of KIU's Board of Trustees, highlighted two ground-breaking achievements: the Integrated Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmacy program, allowing students to earn both degrees in just six years, and the Master of Science in Veterinary Pharmacy program, a regional first. These milestones cement KIU's position as a leader in innovative education.

He also appealed to the government to increase funding for the Students’ loan scheme, stressing that the current coverage of 14%-15% is inadequate. He emphasized that science education is crucial for national development.

"We need more support for our science students; it's a matter of investing in the future of our nation. With at least 50% Students’ loan support, we can make science accessible to more Ugandans and drive progress," he added.

To the graduates, Dr. Basajjabalaba advised, “You must be committed, honest, hard-working, and ready to learn to be good citizens of tomorrow."

Building on this momentum, Chancellor Prof. Yunus Mgaya urged the graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact, stating, "Today marks not only the culmination of hard work, sacrifice, and determination but also the beginning of a new chapter, full of possibilities, challenges, and opportunities to make meaningful contributions to society."

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Guest of Honour, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, highlighted the significance of investing in education. "Investing in education is not a business, but rather a service, especially if you want to give back to the community," he said.

In his remarks, Tayebwa expressed concern about the country's over-reliance on donor funding for research, noting, "We had left research to donors, but we realized most researchers were doing it to promote donor countries, and we weren't benefiting." He urged KIU to shift its focus towards output-driven research, prioritizing sciences and innovations that drive national development.

Turning to the graduates, he offered a parting message: "Success comes from character and working towards your goals, not just contacts," advising them to stay focused and committed to their aspirations.

Speaking further, Hon. Micheal Mawanda, Chairman University Council, said, "As a university, we take pride in having produced and continuing to nurture highly skilled and competent professionals ready to contribute to the workforce. I urge today's graduates to put their knowledge and skills to meaningful use, making a positive difference in the world."

The ceremony recognized outstanding students, including Kiguru Julius Reagan, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.80 in Bachelor of Business Administration, and Kizito Jovan, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.77 in Bachelor of Information Technology.

The event was a celebration of the university's continued commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the next generation of leaders.