In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown that has left education institutions inaccessible to students since March, Kampala International University (KIU) virtually graduated 2,253 graduands, the first of its kind online graduation ceremony in the 20 year history of the university.
On Saturday, August 22, 2020, KIU virtually graduated 2,253 graduands, out of which 38% (871) were females, 62% (1,382) were males. The event was streamed live on Facebook, selected television and radio stations since no students and family members were expected at the campus.
Among the graduands, 43% (976) were science-based, while 57% (1,277) were arts, humanities, business, and law. There were also 167 postgraduates and 4 PhDs.
Following the success of the event, Mouhamad Mpezamihigo the KIU Vice-Chancellor thanked the Almighty God for making the occasion possible amidst the challenging life and work circumstances created by the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“Among the bachelor holders, 27 distinguished themselves above their colleagues by obtaining First Class degrees. We congratulate them in a special way,” the Vice-Chancellor added.
On this note, he further congratulated the now graduates upon reaching such an important milestone in their lives. He also hoped and prayed that the awards and disciplines acquired at the university would have a meaningful impact on the individuals and be more valuable to the wider society.
With all that said, the Vice-Chancellor also welcomed the newly installed KIU Chancellor, Prof Mahmood Mamdani, to his maiden graduation since installation.
“We look forward to a successful tenure under his Chancellorship. At the same time, I sincerely thank Prof John P. M. Ssebuwufu, the 2nd Chancellor who served his tenure diligently and with great success. We wish him all the best and good health in his retirement,” he said.
The Chairman Board of Trustees Al Haji Hasan Basajjabalaba, in his speech also congratulated the graduates and said that this is their moment to celebrate and to shine. He made a pledge that the board of trustees will remain committed to developing KIU into a world-class university as they continue to explore the heights.