Kampala, Uganda – Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Kampala International University (KIU), has been awarded the prestigious African Educationist of the Year 2024 by African Leadership Magazine.
This recognition, part of the 14th Edition of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards, celebrates his significant contributions to education and his visionary leadership in transforming KIU into a leading African higher education institution.
Dr. Basajjabalaba received an impressive 86.24% of the vote, demonstrating widespread support for his work across Africa and globally. His leadership has redefined private education in Uganda and set new standards of excellence across the continent.
This award coincides with KIU’s 25th anniversary. Founded in 2001, KIU has grown into a hub of academic innovation and research, serving students regionally and internationally. It is currently ranked as Uganda’s leading private university by Webometrics and is recognized as one of Africa’s top institutions.
Under Dr. Basajjabalaba’s guidance, KIU has expanded its operations to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and established numerous study centers throughout Uganda. The university is renowned for its programs designed to meet the demands of the modern workforce, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address global challenges.
A key achievement is the establishment of the Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and Research (KIUTHR) at the university’s Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi District. This 1,200-bed facility is one of Uganda’s largest and most advanced medical teaching hospitals, serving as a training center for medical professionals and a vital healthcare provider for underserved communities.
KIUTHR’s contributions to medical education and healthcare have established it as a center of excellence in East Africa, exemplifying KIU’s integrated approach to education and community service.
Dr. Basajjabalaba will be honored at the African Persons of the Year Awards Ceremony 2024, scheduled for February 27–28, 2025, at the Casablanca Marriott Hotel in Morocco. The event, themed “Inclusive Leadership for an Interconnected Africa: New Paradigms for Future Realities,” will be chaired by H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania.
He will join other distinguished leaders, including H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola, and H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda.
KIU’s standing as a premier private university is attributed to its commitment to technology, research, and global partnerships. Its modern campuses and state-of-the-art facilities prioritize student success, and its curriculum focuses on employability and innovation.
As KIU celebrates its 25th anniversary, it is poised for further expansion, research development, and increased impact across Africa. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, KIU aims to continue shaping the future of education.
Dr. Basajjabalaba’s recognition is a testament to his leadership and KIU’s remarkable progress, marking a significant achievement for the university and the African education sector.
