ESQR RECOGNIZES KIU WITH GLOBAL QUALITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN DUBAI
By Andrew Kisinde | Today
Kampala International University (KIU) has earned a major international distinction after being honoured with the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) Quality Achievement Award, spotlighting the institution as one of Africa’s rising centres of excellence in higher education. The award was presented at a global gathering in Dubai, where representatives from nearly 50 countries convened to celebrate institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to quality and innovation.
Unlike many academic awards that focus solely on performance metrics, the ESQR distinction emphasizes leadership vision, institutional evolution, and sustainable impact. KIU’s delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammed Ngoma and joined by Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Abanis Turyahebwa– received warm recognition from the international assembly, underscoring the university’s growing global profile.
In his remarks, Professor Ngoma extended appreciation to ESQR for accommodating KIU after the university missed an earlier ceremony in Stockholm. He affirmed the honour this recognition carries for KIU, noting that it reflects the unwavering dedication of the entire institution. His message resonated strongly with the audience, setting a confident tone for KIU’s continued international engagement.
Over the past two decades, KIU has transitioned from a young private university to a major regional academic hub. Its student population now represents more than forty countries, while its staff draw from over thirty national backgrounds—making KIU one of the most culturally diverse universities in East Africa. This diversity is matched by an academic offering that stretches across Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Law, ICT, Artificial Intelligence, Business, Environmental Studies, and the Humanities.
Professor Ngoma emphasised that KIU’s mission goes beyond imparting knowledge. The university is intentionally preparing graduates to meet the demands of a rapidly shifting world—equipping them with competence, confidence, character, and an appreciation for societal needs. Investments in modern facilities, research ecosystems, and global partnerships have reinforced KIU’s position as a leading private university in the region.
The ESQR award, he noted, is more than a trophy; it is a signal that KIU’s pursuit of excellence is acknowledged on a global scale. It also affirms that the university’s strategies for growth and continuous quality enhancement are aligned with international best practices.
In a moment that drew emotional weight, the Vice Chancellor dedicated the award to KIU’s Founder and Chairman, Al Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, who was recently named African Educationist of the Year 2025. He credited the Chairman’s vision and leadership as the engine behind KIU’s steady rise and expanding influence across the continent.
With this recognition, KIU steps into the next phase of its journey with renewed momentum. The institution now stands among universities shaping the future of higher education in Africa—anchored in innovation, strengthened by diversity, and committed to delivering quality learning for a changing world.
