Kampala University was honoured with the Leadership and Excellence Award in Accessible Education at the 3rd edition of the African Academia Awards Conference, held on November 5 at M Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
The event, organised by the Business Executive Media Organization, brought together leading academic institutions from across the continent to celebrate innovation and impact in higher education.
The award recognises Kampala University’s outstanding commitment to providing quality education that is affordable and inclusive, its regional presence across East Africa, and its continuous efforts to empower communities through academic excellence.
The accolade reaffirms the university’s growing influence as one of Africa’s leading centres of learning and development.
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Speaking after the ceremony, Muhammad Dungu Kateregga, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Resident Director of Kampala University, expressed pride in the institution’s achievement, describing it as a reflection of years of dedication to accessible and transformative education.
“This award motivates us to continue offering an outstanding standard of education, focusing on quality, affordability and inclusivity. Kampala University started in 1998 under the vision of our founding Vice Chancellor, Professor Badru Kateregga, and has since grown into one of the largest universities in the region with five campuses in Uganda and sister institution in Kenya,” he said.
He added that the university’s presence across East Africa demonstrates its commitment to serving a diverse student population.
“We have many students coming from Rwanda and other neighbouring countries, so our Kigali office helps them process admissions and settle in easily. We want everyone in the region to feel that higher education is within their reach,” he explained.
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Rashida Kateregga, Resident Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the significance of the award for the university’s mission and for African higher education at large.
“Tonight’s recognition celebrates our efforts in making education truly accessible. We offer scholarships, bursaries, and flexible study programmes so that financial or professional challenges do not stop anyone from advancing their education,” she said.
She emphasised that the award also honours Kampala University’s broader social role.
“We are grateful to the organisers of the African Academia Awards and to our hosts here in Kigali. This award strengthens our resolve to keep serving Africa through affordable, high-quality, and impactful education,” she noted.
Looking ahead, the university's leadership hinted at expansion plans.
“It’s still in the pipeline,” CEO Dungu Kateregga shared with a smile. “But, God willing, one day Kampala University will have a campus in Rwanda.”
