KIU targets Africa’s top 10 universities list as 1,844 graduate

Kampala International University (KIU) has unveiled an ambitious vision to become one of Africa’s top 10 universities within the next decade.

Through expanded postgraduate scholarship opportunities, enhanced research excellence, and strengthened competence-based education aimed at producing graduates equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

The commitment was reaffirmed during the university’s 33rd graduation ceremony held at the KIU Western Campus in Ishaka, where 1,844 students graduated in various disciplines.

Among the graduates were 100 First Class degree holders, while 52.6 per cent completed programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reflecting the institution’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s science, innovation and industrialisation agenda.

Held under the theme, “Fostering Sustainable Innovations and Future-Ready Graduates through Competence-Based Education,” the ceremony attracted senior government officials, legislators, diplomats, university leaders, parents, alumni, development partners and members of the public, highlighting the growing role of higher education in shaping Uganda’s future.

Representing President Yoweri Museveni, second deputy Prime Minister Dr Crispus Kiyonga challenged graduates to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism as they transition into the next phase of their lives. He also underscored the importance of science and technology in driving Uganda’s social and economic transformation.

Addressing the gathering, KIU vice chancellor Prof Muhammed Ngoma described the graduation as a celebration of resilience, achievement, innovation and the transformative power of higher education.

He noted that KIU continues to strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence, maintaining its position as the leading private university in the region and the second-ranked university overall in Uganda, according to the 2026 Webometrics rankings.

Ngoma attributed the achievement to deliberate investments in quality teaching, research, innovation and internationalisation. He said the university’s research output and impact had doubled over the past two years, further cementing KIU’s reputation as one of Africa’s emerging research institutions.

He revealed that the university’s long-term strategy focuses on producing graduates capable of addressing real-world challenges while contributing to national and continental development. A key pillar of that strategy, he said, is the implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET).

“We have strengthened the implementation of competence-based education and training to ensure our graduates are not only academically sound but also innovative and industry-ready,” he said.

Ngoma emphasised that the shift towards competency-based learning should not be viewed merely as compliance with national policy, but as a transformative approach aimed at producing graduates who can innovate, create jobs, solve societal problems and drive economic growth.

He further highlighted the university’s investments in digital transformation, e-learning platforms, blended learning systems, community engagement programmes and international partnerships. Today, KIU hosts students from more than 40 countries, reinforcing its status as a truly international institution.

Prof Ngoma also outlined several major infrastructure projects currently underway. These include a four-storey pharmacy complex expected to become one of the largest pharmacy facilities in East Africa, new staff accommodation blocks, student hostels, sports facilities and a state-of-the-art moot court for law students.

The university is also pursuing plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, an aquaculture complex and precision dairy farming projects in partnership with international institutions to strengthen practical training, research and innovation.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr Hassan Basajjabalaba, outlined KIU’s plans to expand postgraduate education, strengthen research capacity and increase scholarship opportunities for Ugandans.

He announced that the university is embarking on a major scholarship programme targeting more than 1,000 Ugandans annually, with particular emphasis on postgraduate education and research advancement.

“As a university, we are embarking on an ambitious programme to provide over 1,000 scholarships annually to Ugandans,” Basajjabalaba said.

He revealed that KIU plans to support approximately 100 PhD candidates annually while significantly increasing opportunities for Master’s degree students, particularly female scholars pursuing advanced studies.

The Board chairperson noted that KIU currently employs more than 400 staff members with doctoral qualifications and aims to double that number by 2030 as part of its strategy to build one of the strongest academic and research teams in the region.

“Currently, KIU has over 400 staff members with PhDs. By 2030 and beyond, our objective is to double this number and continue building one of the strongest academic teams in the region,” he said.

Basajjabalaba also highlighted the university’s growing research footprint, revealing that KIU recorded more than 3,500 research publications this year, with nearly half appearing in high-impact international journals.

“This year, KIU has recorded more than 3,500 research publications, with approximately half appearing in high-impact journals,” he said.

He called on government to strengthen investment in higher education through expanded postgraduate funding, enhanced research support, tax incentives for educational and medical institutions, and the preservation of internship opportunities for medical graduates.

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