Kampala International University (KIU) marked a milestone today, hosting its 32nd graduation ceremony and awarding degrees to 2,385 graduates, including 66 first-class students and five PhD recipients. The event celebrated academic excellence under the theme: “Empowering Graduates in the Era of Competence-Based Learning for a Sustainable Future.”
The ceremony also unveiled several newly accredited programs, setting new academic benchmarks in the region. Among these are the integrated Bachelor and Master of Pharmacy, MSc in Veterinary Pharmacy, and MSc in Pharmacy Economics—the first of their kind locally and regionally.
Top achievers included Kizito Yoban, a Bachelor of Information Technology student recognized as best in science with a CGPA of 4.77, and Chiburu Regan Julius, a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate awarded best in humanities with a CGPA of 4.80. STEM disciplines accounted for 53 percent of the graduands, reflecting Uganda’s development priorities, while the gender balance was 60 percent male and 40 percent female.
Al Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the KIU Board of Trustees, hailed the launch of the integrated pharmacy program as historic. “Students can now pursue both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees concurrently, completing the full program in six years—a first in the region,” he said.
Basajjabalaba stressed that education should serve communities, not merely generate revenue. He encouraged government expansion of student loan schemes and recommended a phased approach to implementing competence- and problem-based learning, noting that full rollout by 2026 requires adequate preparation of both staff and students.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni, Thomas Tayebwa lauded KIU for its contribution to national development. “Investing in education is a service, not a business. Success comes from character, dedication, and striving toward your goals, not just personal connections,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammed Ngoma highlighted KIU’s evolution over 25 years into a leading East African university. He praised the institution’s infrastructure, including the near-complete Pharmacy Block, the Hajjati Azida Library, and state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as accreditation of nine pharmacy programs and notable achievements in national and international competitions.
Professor Ngoma urged graduates to carry forward KIU’s values of excellence, integrity, and professionalism. “Your journey does not end here,” he said. “This graduation is a launchpad for creativity, service, and responsible leadership as you step into the wider world.”
