KIU Western Campus- Kampala International University (KIU) hosted its first-ever Open Day on March 6th, 2025, at the Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi. The event aimed to provide stakeholders with a first-hand experience of the university, showcase student and staff innovations, and offer career guidance to prospective applicants while creating awareness about lesser-known academic programs.

The event which attracted over 500 visitors was graced by Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut, Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations and former Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister. She was warmly received and given a tour by the KIU management team led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) of the Western Campus, Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, the University Secretary, Ms. Asiat Mbabazi, the Assistant DVC for Academics and Research, Dr. Ibrahim Babangida among others.

The delegation toured the campus and the KIU Teaching Hospital and Research (KIUTHR), where they were impressed by KIU’s state-of-the-art facilities and groundbreaking innovations by students and staff.

In her remarks, Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut expressed her gratitude for the invitation, stating, “I was so humbled to receive the invitation to come here.” She applauded the Chairman Board of Trustees (CBOT), Al Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, for his transformative leadership and investment in education and healthcare, not just in Uganda but across Africa.

“Thank you for this great innovation, the Open Day. I am so happy that I came around. Modern equipment is available, a lot of research is being done here, and a lot of innovation. I don’t know what is not here,” Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut said with excitement.

She further praised KIU’s academic excellence, emphasizing, “If you want to study and study seriously, this is the place to go. KIU speaks for itself. Once you study from here, you get quality education.”

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Hon. Karooro commended KIU for empowering women in various fields, saying, “I want to appreciate KIU for recognizing the strength, wisdom, and intelligence of women. I saw women in Engineering taking charge, may God bless you, KIU.”

Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, the DVC of the Western Campus, expressed his gratitude to the CBOT for providing the necessary support and financing the Open Day event. He also commended the entire staff for their teamwork in ensuring the success of the event.

“The Open Day was the first of its kind at Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU WC). It was very successful because the targeted audience was well-represented. Over 500 visitors attended the event, touring the campus and the teaching hospital,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim Babangida, the Assistant DVC for Academics and Research, extended his appreciation to the Guest of Honour, Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut, for gracing the occasion, touring the facilities, and actively participating in all activities until the end.

“I would also like to appreciate our partners, including MTN, Global Tea, Tea Maria, Macz Repair, and many others. Their presence made the event even more colourful.”

Similarly, Ms. Asiat Mbabazi, the University Secretary, applauded the KIU team for successfully organizing the first-ever KIU Open Day. She highlighted management’s consideration of making this a regular event due to its immense importance, particularly for secondary school students.

She encouraged high school students to consider KIU as their university of choice.

Schools that attended the event include Ruyonza Secondary School, St Gonzaga Secondary School, Isingiro Secondary School, St Agness Girls’ Secondary School, St Kagawa Secondary School, Kashenyi Vocational School, Basajjabalaba Secondary School, and Timbitwire Girl’s Secondary School.

The event featured a variety of activities, including:

1. KIU Open Day Run
2. Exhibitions and Entertainment
3. Campus and Hospital Tours
4. Blood Donation Drive
5. Career Guidance for High School Students

This maiden Open Day provided an invaluable platform for interaction with various stakeholders, helping the university better understand their needs and interests.

With the success of this inaugural event, KIU looks forward to making the Open Day a tradition, further strengthening its engagement with the community and prospective students.