KIU Celebrates 29th Graduation: Minister Otafiire Urges Graduates Fo Fight Corruption & Demand Accountability

By Gad Masereka

Kampala International University KIU has celebrated the 29th Graduation Ceremony where by 2,313 graduates received their PhDs, Masters, Bachelors, Diplomas, and Certificates across various academic disciplines.

Among the graduates, 953 were females and 1,360 were males, representing a wide range of fields including the sciences, humanities, and professional studies. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of these students and highlighted the university’s commitment to providing quality education.

During the event, Major General Kahinda Otafiire, Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, urged graduates to hold the government accountable, particularly in combating corruption. Addressing the graduates, Otafiire highlighted the crucial role of young people in demanding transparency and integrity from their leaders.

Otafiire lamented the pervasive corruption that plagues Uganda and much of Africa, which he believes hinders the continent’s progress despite its abundant resources. He emphasized that the glorification of corrupt individuals must end and that leaders must remember their duty to serve the people, not enrich themselves. “I am deeply pained to see Africans fleeing to Europe, abandoning our resource-rich continent due to the failures of past and current generations to transform these resources into prosperity,” he said.

The ceremony, held at KIU’s main campus in Kansanga, Kampala, saw 2,313 graduates receive their PhDs, Masters, Bachelors, Diplomas, and Certificates. Among the graduates were 953 females and 1,360 males. The event highlighted the university’s diverse academic disciplines and its commitment to higher education. Dr. Al-Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the KIU Board of Trustees, also addressed the gathering. He called on the government to support both public and private universities equally, stressing that private institutions play a crucial role in providing quality education and should not be viewed as competitors.

Dr. Basajjabalaba pointed out that the National Council for Higher Education’s (NCHE) designation of some university programs as “inactive” can negatively affect admissions and reputations. He urged the government to ensure a fair operational environment for all universities to maximize the potential of Ugandan youth. Otafiire’s speech coincided with recent scandals involving high-profile corruption cases within the Ugandan parliament. He called on the youth to reject the narrative that corruption can be justified and to support those who stand for justice and transparency.

“Good leaders must be upright and accountable. If you are in a position of authority, you should not equate demands for accountability with hate speech,” Otafiire asserted. In his address, he urged the graduates to engage in anti-corruption campaigns and support honest leadership to ensure the struggle for freedom and justice continues. The call to action comes on the heels of a controversial service award scandal and allegations of bribery within the Uganda Human Rights Commission, involving several Members of Parliament. According to a survey by the Inspectorate of Government, Uganda loses approximately 10 trillion shillings annually to corruption.

Dr. Basajjabalaba encouraged the new graduates to work diligently and uphold integrity in their professional lives. He advised them to avoid corruption and to be ambassadors of their alma mater by demonstrating hard work and honesty in all endeavors. “Do not despise any job; work hard and listen more than you speak. KIU is renowned for producing high-quality human resources, and you must uphold this reputation,” he urged.

In the latest webometric rankings, KIU was recognized as the top private university in Uganda and third in the region, highlighting its prominence in higher education. Major General Otafiire’s call for accountability and integrity resonated with the graduates of KIU, reminding them of their role in shaping a just and prosperous future for Uganda. The ceremony underscored the importance of education, ethical leadership, and the collective effort required to combat corruption.