KIU Earns International Acclaim with ESQR Quality Award

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Kampala International University (KIU) has once again demonstrated its growing influence in global higher education after being honoured with the European Society for Quality Research (ESQR) Quality Achievement Award. The award was presented on Wednesday 10th December 2025 at the iconic Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai, where over 50 distinguished leaders from academia, business, healthcare, engineering, government institutions, ankd diplomatic circles gathered from 49 countries.

The recognition further cements KIU’s position as one of Africa’s most forward-looking universities, committed to excellence, innovation, and impactful research.

A Moment of Pride for KIU

Representing the university at the ceremony, Professor Mohammed Ngoma, the Vice Chancellor, delivered a heartfelt and inspirational address that captured KIU’s remarkable journey from its early beginnings to becoming East Africa’s largest private university.

Standing alongside his Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Abanis Turyahebwa, Professor Ngoma expressed deep gratitude to ESQR.

“On behalf of Kampala International University… it is our honour to be here this morning to receive this ESQR award,” he said, receiving warm applause from the international audience.

He also thanked ESQR for giving KIU another chance to attend in person after missing a previous ceremony in Stockholm.

KIU’s Growth and Global Outlook

In his speech, Professor Ngoma highlighted the university’s transformation since its establishment in 2001. Today, KIU boasts:

Students from over 40 countries

Academic and administrative staff from more than 30 nationalities

A vast portfolio of programmes across medicine, engineering, law, business, ICT, agriculture, humanities, and emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence

“This clearly demonstrates our internationality,” he remarked.

He reaffirmed that KIU’s driving mission is to produce graduates who are competent, confident, morally grounded, and well-prepared to address societal challenges in an ever-changing global landscape.

A Leading Force in African Higher Education

Over the years, KIU has gained widespread recognition as East Africa’s top private university, thanks to major investments in modern infrastructure, research facilities, digital innovations, and international collaborations.

“These achievements have earned us recognition both regionally and internationally,” Professor Ngoma noted, emphasizing that this new ESQR award symbolizes the institution’s unwavering commitment to quality and academic excellence.

KIU’s Future Vision: Global Research and Quality Enhancement

Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor outlined KIU’s strategic priorities:

Continued institutional growth

Strengthening academic quality

Expanding global research partnerships

Enhancing regional and international collaborations

He emphasized that the university is determined to keep pushing boundaries to better serve students and contribute to Africa’s development agenda.

A Dedication to Visionary Leadership

In an emotional closing, Professor Ngoma dedicated the award to KIU’s Founder and Chairman, Al Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, who was recently named Africa’s Educationist of the Year 2025.

“We dedicate this award to our Chairman… for his visionary leadership and commitment to quality education across Africa.”

He concluded with an optimistic outlook for KIU’s future:

“Thank you very much. We look forward to continuing our journey towards excellence.”

A Milestone for KIU and East Africa

The ESQR Quality Achievement Award marks another milestone for Kampala International University, reinforcing its stature as a transformative institution shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.

By being counted among globally recognized organisations, KIU continues to proudly raise East Africa’s flag on the world stage.