KIU CHAMPIONS WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
By Zoe Mbejjo | Ishaka
As the world celebrates Women’s Day, Kampala International University (KIU) Western Campus has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment and girl child education. The university recently hosted a highly successful Open Day, attracting thousands of students and community members to an event that showcased its diverse academic programs, cutting-edge facilities, and unwavering dedication to fostering gender equality in education.
Authorities in Bushenyi District have commended private institutions for their contributions to education and development, with Kampala International University (KIU) singled out for its role in healthcare, employment, and infrastructure growth.
Speaking at KIU’s Open Day, Mary Karooro Okurut, the senior presidential advisor on public relations, highlighted the institution’s economic impact.
“You have transformed these communities. People have put up houses. People have got employment,” she said. “I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Basajjabala for his tireless efforts in leading the charge in education. His dedication and passion have earned him numerous accolades across the globe, and it is only fitting that he receives these well-deserved awards. As a testament to his remarkable work, Basajjabala’s impact on the education sector continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide.” – Karoro
KIU at its Ishaka campus in Bushenyi, which operates a fully equipped teaching hospital, has played a key role in training healthcare professionals. Ms. Karooro praised its contribution to the sector, noting, “If you find people doing this work, this is about humanity and our lives. What KIU is doing in the health sector should be lauded by everybody.”
Hon. Karoro also commended KIU for its relentless efforts in creating opportunities for women and young girls to access quality education. “I am profoundly impressed by KIU’s initiatives to empower women and enhance access to quality education for the girl child,” she remarked. “This is a significant step toward achieving gender equity and equipping women with the tools to assume leadership roles in our society.”
During her tour of the campus, Hon. Karoro witnessed firsthand the impact of KIU’s empowerment initiatives. She lauded the university for not only enrolling a high number of female students but also actively supporting their academic and professional growth through mentorship programs, leadership training, and scholarship opportunities. “KIU has demonstrated a genuine commitment to women’s emancipation. I have seen young women here excelling in various fields, breaking barriers in male-dominated disciplines, and proving that given the right opportunities, they can lead and innovate,” she stated.
Beyond her recognition of KIU’s educational initiatives, Hon. Karoro expressed enthusiasm for the university’s upcoming cancer institute, describing it as a transformative milestone for healthcare in the region. “The establishment of KIU’s cancer institute will not only provide essential healthcare services but will also serve as a hub for research and innovation in oncology,” she stated.
She also commended the university for offering scholarships to students who would otherwise struggle to access higher education. “There are so many people who would not have been able to study, but KIU has provided scholarships,” she said. Ms. Karooro attributed the university’s success to its leadership and investment in academic infrastructure. “Transformative leaders may come once in a hundred years. That is why, when we get them, we appreciate them,” she noted.
She further applauded KIU for promoting gender inclusivity in academia and leadership. “I saw women in the cadaver room. I saw women who have taken up positions that we never used to take up. Thank you for recognizing the strength, wisdom, and brains of women,” she said.
Hon. Karoro also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Alhaji Hassan Basajjabalaba to the education sector, particularly his recent recognition as Africa’s Educator of the Year. “Dr. Basajjabalaba’s unwavering dedication to education is truly commendable. His accolade as Educator of the Year reflects his visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence,” she said.
Professor Eric Mabonga, the deputy vice-chancellor, emphasized the role of Open Day in strengthening ties between the university and its stakeholders. “We wanted the stakeholders to come and mix with us so that we exchange ideas. They see what we offer, and we also see what is in the field so that we continuously improve,” he said. He also sought to dispel misconceptions about the university’s programs. “We wanted to clear the myths that KIU doesn’t offer several programs,” he noted.
Professor Eric Mabonga, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity. “With students from over 15 countries, our institution celebrates cultural diversity, which enhances our academic environment and promotes global collaboration,” he noted. “Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive learning atmosphere where all students can excel and achieve their full potential.”
The Open Day also underscored KIU’s strategic partnerships with various organizations, enhancing students’ academic experiences through internship opportunities, research initiatives, and job placements. “We firmly believe that collaboration with industry stakeholders is essential in equipping our students with practical skills and preparing them for successful careers,” Professor Mabonga added.
With over 1,000 staff at its Bushenyi campus and an additional 800 employees at its teaching hospital, KIU is one of the region’s largest employers. “The university employs more than 1,000 staff, and the hospital employs about 800 staff, which is sufficient to offer the relevant medical programs,” Prof. Mabonga affirmed.
The event featured guided campus tours, an exclusive visit to KIU Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH), and career guidance sessions designed to help students explore academic pathways and professional opportunities. The KIU-TH tour highlighted the university’s state-of-the-art medical training facilities, reinforcing its role as a leader in health sciences education.
KIU is a private, not-for-profit institution in Uganda, established in 2001. It received its university charter in March 2009. KIU operates multiple campuses, including the Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi District. This campus houses the School of Health Sciences, among other faculties, and is situated approximately 330 kilometers southwest of Kampala. The university’s main campus is in Kansanga, a suburb of Kampala.
Overall, the KIU Western Campus Open Day was a resounding success, showcasing the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, gender empowerment, and holistic student development.
