By Shawn Kimuli

KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) has taken another significant step in advancing its internationalization agenda as Vice‑Chancellor Professor Muhammed Ngoma undertook an official visit to Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ) in Türkiye under the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme. The visit on 23 July, 2026, marks an important milestone in KIU’s efforts to deepen global academic partnerships and expand its international visibility.

The Erasmus+ Programme, a flagship initiative of the European Union, promotes collaboration between universities through academic mobility, joint research, curriculum development, digital transformation, and institutional capacity building. KIU’s participation reflects its long‑term strategy of strengthening global linkages and enhancing the quality of teaching, research, and innovation.

During the visit, the Vice‑Chancellor engaged with OMÜ leadership and academic units to explore opportunities for collaborative programmes, joint research projects, staff development pathways and expanded academic mobility. The engagements also focused on benchmarking institutional practices, identifying areas for shared learning and establishing frameworks for sustained cooperation between the two universities.

"It is a very fulfilling experience, full of networking, benchmarking, experience sharing and lots of lessons as far as higher education is concerned," Prof. Ngoma said.

Professor Ngoma’s visit comes at a time when KIU continues to rise in global higher education rankings. According to the July 2026 Webometrics Ranking of Universities, KIU remains Uganda’s leading private university, ranks second nationally, and is listed among Africa’s Top 50 universities. These achievements highlight the University’s growing investment in research excellence, digital visibility and international engagement.

The partnership with OMÜ is expected to generate long‑term institutional benefits, including strengthened academic programmes, enhanced research networks, improved staff competencies, and increased global exposure for KIU. As universities worldwide intensify efforts to build meaningful international collaborations, KIU’s continued engagement through Erasmus+ demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable institutional growth.

"Internationalization is no longer optional for universities that aspire to global relevance. Through Erasmus+, KIU is strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge, expanding research networks and exposing our staff and students to the best international practices. These collaborations improve academic quality while increasing the University's global visibility and reputation," Prof. Ngoma added.

Through strategic international visits such as this, KIU reinforces its position as a globally oriented institution dedicated to producing competitive graduates and contributing to international scholarship.