Ambassador to Denmark H.E. Margaret Mutembeya Otteskov Strengthens Ties With KIU

KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) on Thursday, 29th January, 2026 proudly hosted H.E. Margaret Mutembeya Otteskov, Uganda’s Ambassador to Denmark, at the Main Campus in Kampala.

The high-level visit marked a significant step toward strengthening partnerships between KIU and institutions across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with a focus on advancing shared goals in research, innovation, education, and sustainable development.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, Vice Chancellor of KIU, shared the university’s transformative journey. He positioned KIU as a leading private institution redefining higher education in Uganda through innovation and Competence-Based Learning, underscoring its role in shaping the next generation of global leaders.

Dr. Mundu Mustafa, Deputy Vice Chancellor–Finance & Administration, in a presentation highlighted KIU’s strategic priorities, including: Expanding research partnerships, driving digital transformation and AI adoption, advancing climate change and green transition initiatives and investing in renewable energy technologies.

In response to Dr. Mustafa's detailed presentation, Ambassador Otteskov remarked that the Nordic and Baltic regions “lack a lot of knowledge about Uganda,” which she sees as an opportunity.

“They will take us from reception as who we are. If we are sending students to Norway, for example, let them go and tell the Ugandan story—about our sunshine, vast land, lush green eco-friendly setups, and tourism. I truly look forward to working with you all at different levels. And the university being private, I take it as an added value,” she said.

Prof. Regina Ejemot Nwadiaro, Deputy Vice Chancellor–Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension (RICE), emphasized the capacity of the KIU Teaching Hospital. She highlighted training programs for healthcare professionals and students in tropical disease surveillance, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and digital health innovations.

The meeting also featured contributions from senior KIU representatives:

• Christine Ainebyoona – Deputy University Secretary
• Dr. Vidya Sankarapandian – Director Academic Affairs
• Prof. Israel Olusegun Obaroh – Director of Higher Degrees and Research

The discussions identified several priority areas for collaboration, including:

• Global & Health Systems Strengthening
• Cybersecurity and Digital Economy Skills
• Climate Change, Green Transition, and Climate Resilience
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Waste Management and Circular Economy Models
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystems (incubation, SME development, university-industry linkages)
• Design Thinking and Innovation Research
• Policy Dialogue & Development Cooperation (policy research partnerships, joint development initiatives)
• Institutional Capacity Strengthening (training, mentorship, institutional support)

Looking ahead, KIU remains committed to building global partnerships that not only strengthen Uganda’s higher education sector but also contribute to sustainable development across borders.

By aligning with Nordic and Baltic institutions, KIU aims to expand opportunities for students, researchers, and innovators—to tell the Ugandan story while shaping solutions for global challenges.