By Admin | October 24, 2025 | Kampala, Uganda

Kampala International University (KIU) has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation, research, and global collaboration after successfully hosting the Third International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC 2025) under the theme “Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Capacity Building, and Global Sustainability.”

The five-day event, held at the Main Campus in Kansanga, brought together over 500 scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from Africa, Asia, and Europe to discuss how research and entrepreneurship can drive sustainable growth and development.

While addressing the press during the closing session, KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, emphasised the university’s unwavering commitment to producing market-ready graduates and job creators.

“Our graduates are not just employable, they are innovators and job creators. We have nurtured a culture of ethical conduct and moral integrity, ensuring that our students leave KIU with values that meet international standards,” Prof. Ngoma said.

He also used the opportunity to call upon the Government of Uganda to extend more support to higher learning institutions, particularly in research and innovation funding, to sustain the country’s knowledge-based development agenda.

“If the government deliberately supports institutions of higher learning, Uganda will not only compete regionally but also globally in innovation and sustainable development,” he stated.

Milestones and Highlights from the IRDeC 2025

– Over 520 abstracts were submitted globally, reflecting KIU’s growing stature as a hub for transformative research.
– Discussions focused on key subthemes, including entrepreneurship, gender inclusivity, technology-driven capacity building, and policy coherence.
– The conference produced actionable resolutions such as the creation of Innovation and Incubation Hubs, integration of entrepreneurship into curricula, and promotion of gender equity in research and innovation spaces.
– Delegates also agreed on the launch of a Research-to-Market (R2M) Mentorship Programme to support innovators from idea conception to commercialization.

Global Recognition and Awards

KIU’s excellence was further validated by a series of major achievements:
– Quality Excellence Award (Platinum Winner) – Best Private University in East Africa
– Quality Excellence Award (Gold Winner) – Best Innovative Medical University in East Africa
– ESQR Quality Choice Prize 2025 – Awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, for outstanding quality-oriented practices
– Webometrics Ranking (July 2025) – Ranked Top Private University in East Africa and Second Overall in Uganda

These accolades, Prof. Ngoma noted, reflect KIU’s growing international reputation for academic quality, research innovation, and ethical excellence.

“All over the world, KIU graduates, especially in the medical field, are recognised for their competence, professionalism, and strong ethical foundation. This remains our greatest pride as a university that stands for character, knowledge, and transformation,” Prof. Ngoma concluded.