By Agnes Kiconco

KIU Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) welcomed Albukhary International University (AIU) to its Main Campus in Kansanga, Kampala, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The meeting, held in the Vice Chancellor's office, aimed to explore potential collaboration opportunities between the two institutions.

AIU, a Malaysian private university founded in 2011 by the Albukhary Foundation, shares KIU's commitment to community development and education. Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, KIU Vice Chancellor, highlighted the timely nature of the visit, given KIU's recent launch of its Community Service program, an Initiative that enables students to engage in community services, identify challenges and develop innovative solutions.

The Community Service program aligns with AIU's Social Business program, which integrates business, social sciences, and humanities to address social and economic challenges. Prof. Ngoma noted, "We can benchmark from your experiences and learn from your approaches, as our programs emphasize creating businesses that generate both financial returns and positive social impact."

Prof. Dato' Ir. Dr. Mohd Saleh Jaafar, AIU Vice Chancellor and President, emphasized the potential for collaboration, given the universities' shared interests in social business. He suggested KIU could join AIU's Business Center, fostering joint initiatives and knowledge sharing.

He also mentioned AIU's scholarship program, saying, "We offer scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and through our collaboration, we can explore opportunities for KIU students to benefit from our scholarship programs".

Prof. Regina Idu Ejemot-Nwadiaro, KIU Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension (RICE), highlighted potential areas for collaboration, including grants, innovations, research, and joint publications. This meeting marked a significant step towards a collaborative relationship between KIU and AIU, with potential benefits for both institutions and their students.

Christine Ainebyoona, Deputy University Secretary & Campus Administrator, KIU Main Campus, expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, saying, "This collaboration will not only enhance our students' learning experiences but also foster a culture of innovation and community engagement on our campus".

Sheikh Mahmood Ssebugwawo from the House of Zakat also attended the meeting, contributing to the discussion on potential areas of collaboration. The House of Zakat and Waqf Uganda's scholarship program aims to provide students with opportunities for higher education in Malaysia, fostering their academic and professional growth while contributing positively to their communities.

The meeting marked a significant step towards a collaborative relationship between KIU and AIU, with potential benefits for both institutions and their students.