Kampala International University (KIU) last week officially unveiled a new vice chancellor, Dr Mouhamad Mpezamihigo, and university council chair, Prof Fred Wabwire Mangeni.

Dr Mpezamihigo, who was also appointed the university’s chief executive officer, replaces Prof Peter Tibendarana. Mpezamihigo, who will formally leave his position as deputy vice chancellor at Islamic University in Uganda in March 2016, assured the public that KIU would continue to expand and improve in teaching, research and community engagement.

“KIU has been largely a teaching university with some modest research projects, although huge investments have been made into facilities that could enhance her research capacity. The Board of Trustees and University Council have established a position of Research, Innovation and Extension, which will spearhead the strategy to position KIU as a research and innovation strong university in the years to come,” Mpezamihigo said.

His unveiling came during the university’s 13th graduation ceremony last week in Kansanga. The ceremony saw 1,625 graduands receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates. Among these was musician Ronald Mayinja, who received a first class degree in business management.

Mpezamihigo, who comes from a science background, has ambitious research plans during his tenure. He said each school and college would be required to identify research projects driven by their staff and others as Springer projects from students’ work. Seed funding would then be invested into these projects, as well as incubation centres and service development.

“The university has engaged various partners and experts to start on research and grant development. We will keep the stakeholders updated on the innovations that we expect, with the involvement of business, industry sectors and other practitioners,” he said.

The University chancellor, Prof John Ssebuwufu urged the graduands to be careful and innovative in the world of work.

“The world is in constant change. So, be prepared to be the change you want to see in the world. You will face challenges of unemployment and underemployment.

But create your own job,” he said.

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