Kampala University Honoured with Prestigious Trailblazer Award at African Academia Awards 2025
The prestigious recognition, bestowed by a distinguished panel of continental jurors, celebrates institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to inclusive, affordable, and quality higher education in Africa.
Kampala University has once again placed Uganda’s higher education on the continental map after being honoured with the Trailblazer Award for Accessible Higher Education Excellence at the African Academia Awards 2025, held at M Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
The prestigious recognition, bestowed by a distinguished panel of continental jurors, celebrates institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to inclusive, affordable, and quality higher education in Africa. Kampala University emerged a standout among nominees following a rigorous evaluation process that involved peer nominations, institutional benchmarking, quantitative impact assessment, and validation by the International Advisory Board of the African Academia Awards.
Representing the University, Ms. Rashida Kateregga, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Resident Director, received the award alongside Mr. Muhammad Faquih Kateregga, Deputy Resident Director, on behalf of the founding Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Amb. Al-haj Prof. Badru D. Kateregga.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Rashida expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a reflection of Kampala University’s enduring mission to make higher education accessible to all.
“This award aligns with our core mission to promote inclusive, quality education—an opportunity that should never be a privilege for a few,” she stated.
She went on to highlight some of the University’s transformative interventions that have expanded access and opportunity across Uganda and beyond, including:
Comprehensive bursary schemes benefiting hundreds of students annually; Scholarships for athletes and financially disadvantaged learners;
Affordable tuition rates, unmatched regionally, that uphold the University’s principle of accessibility.
“When we invest in people, we invest in the future—fostering innovation, leadership, and national transformation,” she added, earning a round of applause from the audience.
Championing Visionary Leadership and Academic Impact
Over the past 26 years, Kampala University has solidified its reputation as one of Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning. Founded on the values of academic excellence, innovation, and social inclusion, the University continues to produce transformative graduates who are shaping their communities and driving sustainable development across the continent.
The Trailblazer Award not only celebrates Kampala University’s institutional achievements but also underscores its role as a pioneer in accessible higher education—an area critical to Africa’s human capital growth and competitiveness.
A Night of Continental Celebration
The African Academia Awards 2025 ceremony was a glittering affair marked by elegance, inspiration, and scholarly reflection. It featured a red carpet reception for distinguished guests, an Academic Leadership Symposium focusing on strategies to strengthen continental education systems, and a VIP dinner hosted by The Business Executive Media Group from Ghana, the organizers of the event.
Delegates from across Africa—including university chancellors, policymakers, and education innovators—celebrated institutions that are redefining excellence and access in African education.
A Legacy of Access and Transformation
For Kampala University, this continental recognition reaffirms its unyielding commitment to democratizing education and promoting Africa’s sustainable development through knowledge, innovation, and inclusivity.
As it celebrates this milestone, the University remains steadfast in its vision to empower future generations and ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege.
“This award belongs to every student, parent, lecturer, and stakeholder who believes in the Kampala University dream,” Ms. Rashida concluded.
With this latest honour, Kampala University continues to stand tall as a beacon of excellence and accessibility, embodying the spirit of an Africa rising through education.
