KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University has secured participation in the HYGEIA Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project, a prestigious European Union-funded initiative that will strengthen healthcare cybersecurity, digital health governance, ethical management of health data, and innovation in higher education across Africa and Europe.

The project, titled “Harmonization of Cybersecurity, Governance and Intelligence for Innovation in Academic Health Education (HYGEIA),” has received an EU contribution of €817,474.65 under the Erasmus+ Programme. Over the next 36 months, the consortium will work to develop competency-based curricula, digital learning platforms, practical training laboratories, modular certification programmes, and innovative teaching approaches to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to address emerging cybersecurity challenges in the health sector.

A major highlight of KIU's participation is its appointment as the leader of Work Package 5 on Dissemination and Exploitation, giving the University responsibility for coordinating communication, stakeholder engagement, dissemination of project results, and long-term sustainability across the international consortium. KIU will also contribute to healthcare cybersecurity needs assessments, curriculum development, competency-based training programmes, deployment of digital teaching and learning tools, and collaboration with healthcare institutions, government agencies, researchers, professional bodies and students.

The HYGEIA consortium comprises eleven beneficiary institutions from six countries: the Higher Institute of Communication Technologies of Tunis (ISETCom), Tunisia (Project Coordinator); University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia; University of Carthage, Tunisia; University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; University of Limoges, France; Kampala International University, Uganda; Metropolitan International University, Uganda; Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria; National Open University of Nigeria, Nigeria; University of Douala, Cameroon; and University of Bertoua, Cameroon.

The project is also supported by associated partners, including Newcastle University and the Joseph Ukpong Hospital and Research Institute, which will contribute specialized expertise in healthcare cybersecurity and digital innovation.

Speaking during a project planning meeting attended by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Niwamanya Jawadou, Co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Richard Buule, and KIU Grants Manager, Ms. Mahoro Gloria, the Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovations, Consultancy and Extensions (RICE), Dr. Mundu Mustafa, described the award as another important milestone in KIU's growing international research portfolio.

"This award reflects the growing confidence that international funding agencies have in Kampala International University's research capacity and our ability to deliver impactful collaborative projects. HYGEIA is not only a research grant but also an opportunity to strengthen healthcare education, enhance digital innovation, and position KIU as a regional leader in healthcare cybersecurity and digital health transformation," said Dr. Mustafa.

He noted that KIU's leadership of the Dissemination Work Package, among others, demonstrates the confidence placed in the University's ability to coordinate international collaboration and maximize the impact of the project's outcomes.

"Leading this work package is a significant responsibility and an affirmation of KIU's institutional capacity. We are committed to ensuring that the knowledge, innovations and best practices generated through HYGEIA reach universities, healthcare institutions, policymakers, and communities, while creating sustainable impact long after the project concludes," he added.

Dr. Mustafa further stated that implementation preparations would commence immediately to ensure timely delivery of project activities.

"Our focus now is on establishing an effective implementation structure, engaging all relevant stakeholders, and ensuring that KIU delivers every milestone successfully. This project aligns perfectly with our strategic vision of strengthening research excellence, internationalisation, innovation and digital transformation, while creating new opportunities for staff development, student training, international partnerships and future collaborative research," he said.

The HYGEIA project further reinforces Kampala International University's position as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa and underlines its commitment to developing solutions that address emerging global challenges through international collaboration, capacity building and excellence in higher education.