On 14th June 2023 the prestigious Kampala international university was a handful of excitement . The university known for its commitment to academic excellence and supporting students’ innovations experienced a momentous occasion of its 4th installation of its chancellor.
This significant ceremony unfolded as Prof. Kamatenesi took the oath of office, assuming the role of University Chairperson at Kampala International University (KIU). This occasion heralded the dawn of a new and promising era for the institution, replacing the exemplary leadership of Prof. Fred Wabwire-Mangen, who diligently served two successful terms.
The appointment of Prof. Kamatenesi as the University Chairperson signifies a notable transition, bringing with it a wealth of expectations and excitement for the future of KIU. With a distinguished career and remarkable accomplishments in academia, Prof. Kamatenesi is poised to guide the university towards further achievements and advancements in education.
Under the capable leadership of Prof. Fred Wabwire-Mangen, KIU witnessed significant growth and development, establishing itself as a renowned center of learning. Now, as Prof. Kamatenesi assumes the mantle, the university community eagerly anticipates the continuation of this upward trajectory, fueled by her expertise, vision, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
With a bright horizon ahead, KIU embarks on a new chapter under the guidance of Prof. Kamatenesi, as she takes on the responsibility of shaping the future of the institution and fostering an environment conducive to innovation, research, and holistic education. The legacy left by Prof. Fred Wabwire-Mangen serves as a testament to the immense potential and accomplishments that lie within the university’s grasp.
As the KIU community bids farewell to an exceptional leader and welcomes a new chapter under the stewardship of Prof. Kamatenesi, the spirit of optimism and anticipation pervades, setting the stage for remarkable achievements and continued excellence in education at Kampala International University.This was followed by the installation of the new chancellor.
The chairperson council KIU prof Maud kamatenesi MUgisha , in her speech , congratulated and she expressed The new Chairperson of the University Council expressed gratitude for the appointment and warmly welcomed Prof. Mgaya during the Installation Ceremony. Prof. Mgaya’s distinguished service globally and vision for the university were recognized, instilling faith in his leadership and the positive changes he will bring as KIU Explores the Heights.
The previous Chancellor, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, was acknowledged for his tireless efforts and commitment to KIU during his tenure. The university stands on the foundation he laid, and it is now the collective responsibility of the KIU community to build upon it and continue the legacy of excellence.
The installation of the new Chancellor signifies a renewed commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment. KIU aims to celebrate individuality, embrace different perspectives, and provide equal opportunities for all. The Chancellor’s guidance is expected to strengthen industry partnerships, enhance research collaborations, and foster an environment that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship.
The University Council and Vice-Chancellor previously visited Prof. Mgaya in Tanzania, engaging in collaborative discussions and visiting the renowned National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). KIU expresses gratitude to the vibrant Council members, the dedicated management team led by Prof. Mpezamihigo, and the entire staff for their contributions.
Acknowledgements were extended to the University Board of Trustees, Ministry of Education and Sports, National Council for Higher Education, partners, collaborations, parents, alumni, and students for their pivotal roles in KIU’s growth and success. The vision of “Exploring the Heights” will continue to drive KIU towards becoming the best private university in Uganda and a leading institution in East Africa and the diaspora.
With the collective efforts of the KIU community, a brighter future is envisioned for the university and generations to come. May God bless everyone as KIU continues to “Explore the Heights.
The vice chancellor praised and congratulated the newly appointed chancellor. He also expressed gratitude to the parents who choose to send their children to KIU and those who recommend students to join, trusting the university with their children’s future. Additionally, he promised to support the university’s growth in achieving its vision of “exploring the heights” and to assist the new chancellor in his leadership role.
The vice chancellor also assured the new chancellor that the chairman and board of trustees, based on their experience as university representatives, are always watchful and actively seek new ideas. They consistently compare and learn from others, encouraging the management to generate more innovative ideas. This is the secret behind KIU’s success.
Furthermore, the vice chancellor expressed appreciation to the chairman and board of trustees for building friendships with university leaders, being attentive listeners, and providing support during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chairperson of the board of trustees, Alhajji Dr. Bassajja Balaba, emphasized the extensive experience of the newly appointed chancellor. He highlighted that the chancellor has progressed through various positions within the university system. Starting as a teaching assistant, he worked his way up to become the head of departments at the University of Darasaram. He later served as the deputy chancellor and held the esteemed position of overseeing the entire educational system of Tanzania.
In addition to his achievements within the university, the new chancellor also served as the director general of NIMLE, among other notable roles. These accomplishments clearly demonstrate his vast experience, making him highly qualified to assume the esteemed position of the fourth chancellor of Kampala International University.
The chairperson of the board of directors then proceeded to officially install Professor Mgaya Yunus as the new chancellor of Kampala International University, symbolising the trust and confidence placed in him by the board.
Prof. Yunus Mgaya, the newly installed Chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU),in his inaugural speech expressed his gratitude and excitement during the installation ceremony. He acknowledged the honour and privilege of being offered the Chancellorship of such a prestigious institution in Uganda.
Prof. Mgaya emphasised the importance of nurturing young minds in higher education and expressed his eagerness to undertake this noble task as Chancellor. Being an academic and a fellow East African, he showed great interest in the university’s progress. He commended KIU for its growth since its establishment in 2001, boasting a student population of over 25,000 from 23 countries worldwide.
Recognizing the challenges faced by universities in Uganda, Prof. Mgaya emphasised the need for collective efforts from the Senate, Vice-Chancellor, academic, technical, and administrative staff, as well as society at large to chart a successful path forward.
Prof. Mgaya firmly believed that KIU should play a critical role in investing resources to find practical solutions for societal problems. He stressed the importance of nurturing partnerships with stakeholders such as the government and international organisations for the broader benefit of society. He commended the university’s exemplary efforts in this regard, particularly the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Alhaj Hassan Basajjabalaba.
As a Tanzanian, Prof. Mgaya expressed his pleasure at being offered the Chancellorship by a Ugandan university, seeing it as a testament to the excellent relations between their two nations. He vowed to cultivate and strengthen this relationship for mutual benefit, encouraging advantageous regional cooperation between Tanzania and Uganda.
Recognizing the rapid changes in the world and the role of universities in driving innovation and technology, Prof. Mgaya emphasised the need for KIU to stay relevant and up-to-date. He highlighted emerging technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the ChatGPT chatbot, underscoring the importance of examining their potential for socio-economic development.
As Chancellor, Prof. Mgaya pledged to ensure that KIU keeps pace with the latest innovations in science and technology. He expressed his commitment to nurturing young scientists who would bring pride to Africa, aligning with the university’s mission of striving for excellence.
