KIU34thGrad: How a Somaliland Couple Turned Sacrifice into Academic Success

By: Dr. Mustafe Mahmoud Alkhaliili and Hodo Nour Osman

We are Dr. Mustafe Mahmoud Alkhaliili and Hodo Nour Osman, husband and wife from Hargeisa, Somaliland. Before joining Kampala International University (KIU), we had rewarding careers, a stable family life and the respect of our community. Yet we felt a deeper calling to pursue higher education and prepare ourselves for greater service to society.

Leaving our jobs, home and familiar support systems required courage and sacrifice. Throughout the journey, we encouraged one another, turning a difficult decision into a shared mission of growth.

Together, we have achieved what we set out to do. Mustafe enrolled in the PhD in Public Management by coursework, while Hodo completed her Master of Public Administration in 2025 and the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies in 2026. On Saturday, 21st November, 2026, we will graduate side by side at KIU Western Campus.

We sincerely thank KIU for its high-quality education, supportive environment and exceptional hospitality. As international students, we found a welcoming community that made us feel at home.

Our graduation reflects the courage of embracing change, the strength of family support and the rewards of a greater purpose. We dedicate it to our family, our community and everyone who believes in education.

We have learned that when faith, determination and education come together, even the hardest sacrifices can lead to extraordinary success.