As Kampala International University (KIU) approaches its 25th anniversary next year, the institution announced plans to establish Uganda’s first private cancer institute.
The revelation was made by Dr Al Haji Hassan Basajjabalaba, chairman of the Board of Trustees, during KIU’s 30th graduation ceremony.
“Next year, we shall be celebrating 25 years, and our graduation will take place in Ishaka, Bushenyi district. At the same time, we will launch the first private cancer institute in Uganda,” Basajjabalaba declared.
In addition to the cancer institute, the facility will include a heart institute and provide training in neurosurgery, aiming to reduce Uganda’s reliance on medical services abroad. The ambitious project is projected to cost $60 million. Basajjabalaba revealed that the European Union has pledged to contribute 30% of the funding, leaving the university to source the remaining 70%.
“We need about $60 million, and we have been promised that 30% will come from the European Union. We will work to secure the rest,” he said.
KIU graduated 2,276 students in various disciplines during the ceremony, with 1,016 male and 1,260 female graduands. Basajjabalaba commended the graduates on reaching this milestone and encouraged them to reflect on their achievements while cherishing the moment.
He emphasized the importance of their graduation as a stepping stone to greater accomplishments. The minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, who served as the guest of honor, praised the government’s policy of liberalizing the education sector. He highlighted that when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power, Makerere University was the only university serving a population of about 14 million Ugandans.
“The government recognized the need for more educational institutions and took deliberate steps to allow the establishment of both public and private universities,” Baryomunsi said.
Today, Uganda boasts over 50 universities, many of which are privately owned. Baryomunsi attributed this expansion to the government’s commitment to increasing access to higher education. Addressing the graduands, he urged them to face the transition into the workforce with confidence despite the challenges of unemployment. He assured them that the government is actively working to create job opportunities for young people.
The dual celebration of KIU’s 25th anniversary and the launch of the cancer institute is set to be a significant milestone, underscoring the university’s commitment to improving healthcare and education in Uganda.
Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, the vice-chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU), emphasized the university’s growing focus on research and innovation during his remarks at the institution’s 30th graduation ceremony. He highlighted the establishment of the KIU RICE (Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension) Centre as a major milestone in the university’s efforts to enhance graduate competitiveness in the evolving job market.
“The establishment of this centre will provide significant opportunities for KIU graduates, enabling them to stand out and become highly competitive, not only in the job market but also by creating their own job opportunities,” Prof Ngoma said.
