On Saturday, November 25, 2023, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, presided over the 28th graduation ceremony at Kampala International University (KIU) main campus in Kampala. Approximately 1862 graduates received their degrees, with 17 achieving first-class honors. The graduates comprised 88% undergraduates and 12% post-graduates, with a gender distribution of 54% male and 46% female.
During the ceremony, Hon. Musenero emphasized the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in national development. She noted that the nation’s underdevelopment could be attributed to the underutilization of these key elements. “To develop, we all need science and technology regardless of race or nationality,” she added.
Acknowledging the graduates’ hard work and resilience amid the challenges posed by the temporary closure of the university during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chairman of the Board Of Trustees, Dr. Al Haji Hassan Basajjabalaba, announced that all 17 first-class students would receive free enrollment for their Master’s program.
KIU’s Vice Chancellor, Mouhammad Mpezamihigo, expressed appreciation for the efforts of graduates and staff that have positioned the university as the second-best in the nation. To further elevate this status, he called on the government to ensure equal opportunities for both government and private institutions.
“We appeal to the government of Uganda to reinstate the students’ loan scheme,” Prof. Mpezamihigo said. “Moreover, we request that government scholarships, currently centralized to government universities, be extended to both private and government institutions.”
