KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) and Puntland State University (PSU) on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening higher education and research, innovation.

Held at Puntland State University in Garowe, Somalia, the momentus occasion was attended by senior representatives from KIU; Dr. Mundu Mustafa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Christine Ainebyoona, Main Campus Administrator and Deputy University Secretary.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mustafa emphasized the significance of the partnership:

“It is a great honour and privilege to be here today as we witness the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between Kampala International University and Puntland State University. Although this is a modest ceremony, its significance is immense. Today marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that will strengthen higher education, research, innovation, and human capital development between our two institutions.”

He extended heartfelt appreciation to PSU for their hospitality and constructive engagements:

“On behalf of Kampala International University, I extend our sincere appreciation to the leadership and staff of Puntland State University for the warm hospitality and the productive engagements we have had over the past few days. Our discussions have been open, constructive, and guided by a shared vision of expanding access to quality graduate education in Somalia.”

Key Resolutions of the MoU

The agreement outlines several important resolutions:

1. Examination Centre – Puntland State University will serve as an official KIU Examination Centre for students undertaking KIU graduate programmes in Puntland.

2. Distance Learning Support – KIU students admitted from other regions of Somalia under distance learning programmes will sit their examinations at PSU.

3. Expanded Graduate Programmes – Health-related graduate programmes have been added to the list of programmes available through distance and blended learning modes.

4. Research Collaboration – PSU has been invited to participate in the forthcoming KIU International Research and Development Conference scheduled for 12th–16th October 2026, by submitting abstracts, presenting papers, and facilitating staff participation.

Dr. Mustafa highlighted the broader vision of the collaboration, “This partnership goes beyond signing an agreement. It represents our collective commitment to providing accessible, flexible, and internationally recognized postgraduate education to students across Puntland and the wider Somali region”.

He further underscored the importance of capacity building, “We encourage PSU academic staff to enrol in KIU’s doctoral programmes to strengthen institutional research capacity and develop the next generation of academic leaders. We also look forward to involving qualified PSU faculty in graduate teaching and supervision, reinforcing this partnership as one of mutual growth and shared expertise”.

Looking Ahead

The partnership places research and innovation at its core, with both institutions committed to generating knowledge that addresses community challenges while contributing to regional and global development.

Dr. Mustafa concluded with a powerful reminder:

“A Memorandum of Understanding is only the beginning. Its true value will be measured by the actions that follow, the students we educate, the research we undertake together, the knowledge we create, and the positive impact we make in our societies.”

KIU reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that this partnership delivers tangible and sustainable outcomes, building a model of regional collaboration that expands educational opportunities and strengthens institutional capacity across Somalia and East Africa.