Al-Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, the Proprietor and Chairman Board of Trustees Kampala International University [KIU] has asked graduands to make use of the available advanced technology in their day to day lives if they are to help in addressing people’s aspirations.
This was on Saturday Aug22 during the University’s 22nd Graduation ceremony which was held virtually at the main campus in Kansanga.
Basajjabalaba who was represented by Mr. Ambrose Kibuuka Mukiibi, (member of the University Council) appealed to the graduands not to sit and wait but to be proactive enough and create opportunities that would fit them in the job market.
“Employ technology for automation, animation and dissemination,” said Basajjabalaba in a speech read by Kibuuka.
He hailed the new University Chancellor Prof Mahmood Mamdani stating that his appointment will improve in facilitating research and innovations at KIU.
“Mamdani is the right man, in a right institution at a right time,” he said.
More than 2,250 studates graduated today during the conferment of Degrees and award of Diplomas at the 22nd graduation ceremony.
Males graduands constituted the largest nunber by 62% (1,382) while 38% (871) of the graduands were females.
43% (976) of the graduands graduated with Science-based awards, 167 post graduates including 4 PHDs and 27 bachelor holders obtained first class degrees while 57% (1,277) are arts, humanities, business and law graduates.
Prof Fred Wabwire-Mungen, the Chairman University Council presented Prof Mahmood Mamdani to VC Prof Mpezamihigo as the new University Chancellor replacing Prof Pancras John Ssebuwufu who has served the university for the last 8yrs (since2011) in the capacity of Chancellor. Prof Wabwire praised Prof Ssebuwufu’s commitment that has seen KIU achieve more of her goals.
The first ever virtual graduation in KIU’s history was moderated by Dr.Janice D Busingye, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration). It was televised on Urban TV, and live streamed on university social platforms for graduands, parents and guardians to view.
Among the attendants were University Chancellor Mahmood Mamdani, Vice Chancellor Dr.Mouhamed Mpezamihigo, Prof Fred Wabwire-Mangen, scientific diplomats like Special Guests from the Netherlands among others.
Prof Maria Yazdanbakhsh, a special guest who addressed the graduands via a zoom session urged graduands to explore post graduate opportunities such as research and innovations as well as working as a team in providing solutions to the society especially at the time when the world is faced with deadly corona virus.
ProfYazdanbakhsh, is the professor of cellular immunology of parasitic infections at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC). She applauded African states for being so responsive in the fight against COVID-19. She stated that the move to quickly declare lockdown measures has helped in slowing down COVID-19 cases in Africa as it is not a case in the US and Europe which delayed the lockdown.
She called for participation in intensive research and innovations in providing long-term solutions to corona virus.
“Multisectoral research would provide us with the knowledge that we need to stop the pandemic together.” Prof Yazdanbakhsh.
“Through the win-win collaboration, we can create dynamic force hold that is the key in innovative policies, therapies and vaccines.” adding that graduates and strong institutions like KIU are needed in making this a success.
While Prof Mirjam Van Reisen, the professor of computing at Leiden University applauded women who are parents and for their financial support to students using herself as a living example shedding lights on the challenges faced by mothers in rising children.
“I applaud parents and guardians especially the mothers, thank you for supporting their (graduands) academic journey,” she said in a jolly face.
In his remarks, the university Chancellor, prof Mahmood Mamdani advised graduands to create a network of people especially the alumni community; “focus on your Alma-mater,” he called stating that its in the graduates interests to consolidate associations such as the Alumni association.
” Before you lies a horizon full of possibilities and challenges. How you respond to these challenges is by the quality of your education.” added Prof Mamdani.
Prof Hans Hofstraat, the Vice President and innovations progrsm manager at Philips Technology Office was the Chief Guest. He hailed KIU for being ranked as the leading private university and the third best in Uganda.
Its should be noted that in the recent University rankings, KIU was ranked in the 1st position as the leading private university and the 3rd best university in Uganda after Makerere university and MUST.
