Delivering an inaugural speech on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Kampala International University(KIU) Main Campus in Kansanga, Kampala, Prof. Yunus Mgaya the fourth newly installed Chancellor, vowed to ensure that the university keeps pace with the latest innovations in science and technology to nurture young scientists who will make Africa proud, and drive KIU to greater heights.
Prof. Mgaya’s installation as Chancellor comes after the handover of Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, who from 2020 to 2023, made tremendous contributions and sacrifices to make sure KIU cements its position as the leading private university in Uganda.
As a Tanzanian, humbled and honored to be offered the Chancellorship of a prestigious institution in Uganda, Prof. Mgaya who has always taken a keen interest in the latest developments in the university’s growth since its establishment in 2001 said he is pleased and looks forward to taking on the glorious task as the new Chancellor.
“I do not underestimate the responsibilities of this role. We live at a particularly challenging time for universities in Uganda and charting a successful path through the next few years is going to require the dedicated efforts of everyone involved in the institution – from the Senate to the Vice-Chancellor and members of the academic, technical, and administrative staff, and the society at large,” Prof. Mgaya said.
As a firm believer that an institution like Kampala International University needs to play a critical role in investing resources to find practical solutions for the problems facing society, Prof. Mgaya believes universities should take a leading role in nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships with other key stakeholders like the government and international organizations for the broader benefit of society as a whole.
He also noted that the world is changing rapidly and unsurprisingly, the new higher education landscape has put universities at the forefront of innovation and technology.
“I believe this is the space where the university should be focused, as emerging technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence continue to expand the global economy and revolutionize various sectors,” he added, noting that now more than ever, African institutions like Kampala International University need to stay relevant and up-to-date or risk being left behind.
Therefore as the newly installed Chancellor, Prof. Mgaya pledged to make sure that the university keeps pace with the latest innovations in science and technology and to nurture young scientists who will make Africa proud.
Ushering in a new Chancellor and bidding farewell to the outgoing Chancellor Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, KIU Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Mpezamihigo thanked the outgoing Chancellor, noting that he was a humble academic giant filled with humility.
Also congratulating the newly installed Chancellor, Haji. Hassan Basajjabalaba, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees assured the University Council and staff that the incoming Chancellor is highly experienced in running university systems, and therefore, they should take this opportunity to learn from Prof. Mgaya.
