By Brian Rwotomiyo – Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

From the moment I stepped onto Kampala International University, Western Campus (KIU-WC) in 2022, I knew I was entering a place that was more than just a university. KIU had always stood out to me as an egalitarian centre for advanced teaching, learning, research, and innovation. I had admired the institution long before joining, watching it shine at exhibitions and noting the maturity of its students.

One encounter with a KIU engineering graduate, who explained construction concepts from first principles, convinced me that this was the right place to pursue my childhood dream of becoming an engineer. By joining KIU to study Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, I was choosing more than a certificate—I was choosing skills, exposure, and the confidence to lead.

During my time here, I am most proud of reshaping student leadership. I began as a Member of Parliament representing the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), later became Guild Speaker, and eventually served as the 9th Guild President of KIU-WC. My philosophy was simple: “Come and let’s reason together.”

I believed there was always a neutral point that could favor both students and administration, and I worked tirelessly to find it. Leadership affects many people, and when things are made right in that field, everything else becomes easier. I am humbled that my tenure became a yardstick for good student leadership.

Beyond leadership, I also devoted myself to community service. Before rising through the Guild Union, I taught at Bassajjabalaba Primary School during the 2022 teachers’ strike. With classrooms empty, I merged similar classes, gave assignments, and moved from one group to another so that children would not be left behind. Out of that experience, I wrote a small science book titled A.B Recent Approach, a compilation of common questions that pupils often struggled with. This effort not only helped the children but also earned appreciation from neighboring schools.

These experiences—leading students, serving children, and writing a book—shaped me deeply. They taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of using knowledge and position to uplift others. KIU gave me the platform to grow in both academics and service, preparing me for the greater responsibilities that lie ahead.

Some of my fondest memories include the 2023 Cultural Gala, which revived campus life after years of silence. Seeing students celebrate diversity reminded me that KIU is more than academics—it is a community.

Looking ahead, I intend to serve my country. I want to work with government to contribute to nation?building, guided by my patriotism and vision for Uganda’s growth. I also have two books set for publication this year: The Expectation, which I have worked on for two years, and Kairos, co?authored to uplift spirits from a faith perspective.

To continuing students, my message is this: guard your mind. Every situation has two sides—one that builds and one that destroys. Choose wisely, and use challenges as inspiration, not limitations.

As I celebrate this milestone, I thank God for His grace, my father and mentor Evangelist Justine Pido Adot, my family, and all those who have supported me. I am grateful to Gen. Richard Otto for his example of moral uprightness, to my people of Nwoya East Constituency, and to my mentors at KIU, especially Prof. Mustapha Muhammad Lawan, Dean of SEAS and Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga. Finally, I appreciate Al?Hajj Hassan Bassajjabalaba for his vision for this great university.