By Chris Mugasha
BUSHENYI: Business came to a standstill on Saturday in both Ishaka and Bushenyi towns as thousands thronged Kampala International University (KIU) Western campus to attend the University’s 31st graduation ceremony where over 2000 graduands were commissioned.
This is the first graduation ceremony to be moved out of the congested Kampala city to up country which many parents, graduands described as the best decision taken by the University.
“Unlike in the past where only two people (parents) are allowed at the graduation grounds, this time (in Ishaka) all our family members were allowed in to the extent that the university served all of us with something,” commented one parent.
The parent added, “The University even allowed in students from both primary and secondary schools to attend/ witness the graduation and that inspires the young generation more.” For the entire business community especially hotels, it was a ‘jack-pot’!
The business community led by the Bushenyi/Ishaka Municipal Development Forum (MDF) President Pison Mugizi commended Bassajjabalaba for giving the region the opportunity to host this year’s graduation ceremony. “It was such a wonderful day in the history of Bushenyi,” Mugizi said.
At the graduation ceremony which was presided over by the university Chancellor, Prof. Yunus Daud Mgaya, speaker after speaker, KIU was saluted for its role in transforming Uganda’s higher education landscape in 25 years.
This year’s graduation was celebrated under the theme: “Competence Based Education for Sustainable Development” underscoring the university’s mission to produce skilled professionals aligned with Uganda’s socio-economic transformation goals.
Out of the 2,214 graduates, 1,300 were male while the rest were female. A total of 1,237 students graduated in Science related courses while 977 graduated in humanities and social sciences. The university also awarded fifteen doctoral degrees.
The graduands were challenged to be agents of change, embrace innovation, and contribute to the country’s development agenda through competence and service.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha who was the key note speaker at the graduation urged the graduates to uphold integrity and carry the university’s brand with pride.
“Be ambassadors of KIU wherever you go. Uphold values of discipline, professionalism, and excellence. Let the world know that this university produces not just graduates, but responsible citizens,” Mugisha appealed.
Al-Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the KIU Board of Trustees announced plans of establishing factories within the university to enhance hands-on and practical training and create employment. “With the establishment of the factory in the university, we will be in position to produce; ready to employ products,” Bassajjabalaba said.
“KIU will not only be a center of academic excellence but a hub for industrial innovation and productivity,” he said.
According to Bassajjabalaba, the factories will serve as training grounds for students who are offering engineering, manufacturing, health sciences, and other disciplines.
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs and Manifesto Implementation, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu represented Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Internal Affairs as the chief guest.
He thanked Basajjabalaba, describing him as a visionary leader and an entrepreneur who has put an enduring legacy in Uganda’s social and economic development arena.
Kamuntu encouraged the graduates to see themselves as nation-builders stressing that, “Go out there and make a difference.”
Ambassador John Shama Shaga, the Head of Mission at the Nigerian High Commission in Uganda challenged the graduates saying, “We live in a competitive, complex, and rapidly evolving world. Carry forth the hopes of your nations and embody the promise of a vibrant future.”
“Let the values instilled in you at this great university guide your journey,” the Ambassador appealed.
Prof. Yunus Daud Mgaya, Chancellor of KIU, reminded the graduates that a degree is not the end, but a call to purposeful action.
“The degree you receive today is more than a certificate it is a call to serve your communities, your country, and the world with purpose and responsibility,” he warned.
Prof. Muhamed Ngoma, Vice Chancellor of KIU, commended the university’s rate of transformation.
“KIU has grown from humble beginnings to a high value academic institution. Today, we rank among the top universities in East Africa,” Ngoma said.
At the graduation 69 were announced as top scorers and were awarded with First Class Honours. They include; Ceaser Rwankote Charles – CGPA 4.84, International Relations and Diplomatic Studies, Kintu Collins – CGPA 4.81, BBA Accounting and Finance. Others are; Birabwa Joeria – CGPA 4.80, BEd Science (Primary) and Lasuba Joseph Chaplain – CGPA 4.76, BSc Industrial Chemistry.
Those awarded doctoral degrees included: Dr. Muhereza T. Franklin, Dr. Kibirige David, Dr. Ogwal Harold, Dr. Simon Peter Opolot, Dr. Tumijukye Ruth Komunda, Dr. Muhwezi Amos Kahara, Dr. Ntirandekura Moses, Dr. Bakare Mutiu Shola, Dr. Fasogbon Ilemobayo Victor, Dr. Olaiya Bamidele Charles, Dr. George Uwadiegwu, Dr. Sanusi Idris Olatunji, Dr. Barah Obinna Onyebuchi, Dr. Tijani Naheem, and Dr. Uche Chikadibia Kalu Awa.
Caption: Dr Muhwezi Amon Kahara receiving PhD from KIU chancellor Prof.Yunus Daud Mgaya.
KIU in 25years
Basajjabalaba noted that KIU has graduated over 80,000 students over two decades where 30,000 have benefited under bursary schemes. The University has trained over 4,500 doctors, many of whom received partial or full bursaries.
“KIU is the first to establish a private medical school in Uganda — a vision that was once doubted by many but has today become a reality,” he said.
Bassajjabalaba reiterated the university’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, fostering partnerships, and investing in future-ready education.
As part of this commitment, KIU is finalizing the construction of a modern university library at its Western Campus, with a seating capacity for 5,000 students — one of the largest private academic libraries in the country. The facility is expected to enhance academic research, digital access, and knowledge sharing across all disciplines.
In addition, KIU is set to launch Uganda’s first private Cancer, Heart, and Brain Surgery Hospital, a landmark $60 million investment partially funded through a partnership with the European Union.
The facility, located at the KIU Teaching Hospital and Research (KIUTHR), will significantly improve specialized health services and research in the region. A fully equipped oncology unit was also launched recently, offering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and pediatric oncology services. End.
