KIU Pharmacy Week Concludes with Visionary, Forward‑Looking Conference

By Annet Nakanwagi

KIU, Western Campus - On Thursday, November 13th, 2025, the Kampala International University (KIU) Pharmacy Students Association (KIUPSA) at the Western Campus wrapped up the four‑day Pharmacy Week with a one‑day conference that brought together experts, university leaders and students to discuss the latest trends in pharmacy and health care.

Opening the event with remarks on trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (DVC) warned pointed out that Artificial intelligence has stopped human beings from thinking.

“Someone just types a question and copies the answer the way it is,” he cautioned, urging the pharmacy community to reflect on how they can add value to the profession and be innovative because the university management is ready to support every innovative idea.

“We can go back and check ourselves to see what to add to the pharmacy industry. As KIU, we also need to produce our own drugs that will be internationally recognised. Leave a mark that even those who come after us will find.”

Organized under the distinguished leadership of KIUPSA President, H.E. Julius Nabbigwa, the week’s activities highlighted the students’ commitment to public health and teamwork through carefully selected activities ranging from;

• Run for Medicine – drew participants to raise awareness of pharmacovigilance and drug safety.
• Sports and Social Day – indoor and outdoor games that fostered teamwork and wellness.
• Botanical Garden Exhibition – gave an educational glimpse into medicinal plants and pharmacognosy.
• Pharmacy Debate and Quiz – challenged participants to sharpen critical thinking and professional communication.

KIUPSA’s Pharmacy Week demonstrated how collaboration, innovation and community engagement can shape the future of pharmacy. The university looks forward to supporting more initiatives that will place KIU’s pharmacy graduates at the forefront of the industry.

Also in attendance were Dr. Ibrahim Babangida Abubakar, Assistant DVC‑Academics & Research; Dr. Bot Yakubu Sunday, Assistant DVC‑Finance & Administration; Prof. Patrick Maduabuchi Aja, Director RICE; Hadijah Nantale, Dean of Student Affairs; H.E. Clifton Lamtoo, Guild President; as well as numerous faculty members and pharmacy students.