Graduates urged to adopt healthy lifestyles as 2,385 students complete studies at KIU’s 32nd graduation ceremony  

Kampala International University (KIU) held their 32nd graduation ceremony on Saturday 29th November 2025 where a total of 2,385 students graduated in various professions, completing their studies with degrees, diplomas and certificates.  

President Yoweri Museveni in his speech urged graduates to adopt healthy lifestyles, avoid alcohol, and focus on building wealth for their families.

The call was made in a message read by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa at KIU’s Western campus in Ishaka

“I want to urge the graduands, now graduates, to adopt healthy lifestyles. If you want to be patriotic and your family and country depend on you, you cannot be promiscuous; you cannot drink alcohol,” he said.

Graduates 

He advised the graduates to support their parents and guardians in building family wealth, and to nurture spirituality by reading the Bible or Quran. 

Tayebwa emphasized the importance of character, telling graduates:

“Do not think you will succeed simply because you have a degree. You will succeed because of your character, your effort, your big dreams, and your determination—not just connections.” 

Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, urged the Government to grant tax exemptions on items such as laboratory materials for private universities, review the student loan scheme, and increase funding for research.

The ceremony’s theme was: Empowering Graduates in the Era of Competence-Based Learning for a Sustainable Future

According to KIU management the theme reflects KIU’s mission to prepare graduates with hands-on, practical, ethical and sustainable competencies aligned with modern industry demands.

KIU is rated as the number one private university in Uganda and East Africa, and number two overall in Uganda, according to the July 2025 Webometrics Rankings.