We are already pumped up for next week! Monday, October 19th, 2026 will be a big day for scholarship at Kampala International University. The Directorate of Higher Degrees and Research (DHDR) is opening its doors to the public for a PhD Viva Voce, and you are invited to witness it. Joseph Machok Makak of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will step before a distinguished Doctoral Committee to defend his research on: "Civil Society Organizations and Peacebuilding Mechanisms in South Sudan" Join us for a conversation on how communities, voices and institutions work together to build lasting peace. 🗓️ Monday, October 19th, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM 📍 Senate Boardroom, Main Campus 💻 Join virtually: meet.google.com/gse-pxvk-fhb #ExploringTheHeights

🌿 PUBLIC LECTURE | ARCHITECTURE MIMICS NATURE Nature has long inspired human creativity, offering patterns, forms and principles that influence how we design and build our surroundings. Exploring this relationship, the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension (DRICE), in collaboration with the Directorate of Higher Degrees and Research (DHDR), KIU Western Campus (KIU-WC), cordially invites students, staff and the general public to a public lecture under the theme “Architecture Mimics Nature.” The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Dominic Byarugaba, Director, DHDR, KIU-WC. 📅 Date: Friday, October 23, 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM 📍 Venue: Staff Common Room, KIU-WC 💻 Join via Zoom: Meeting ID: 91632840347 Passcode: 571397 Join us for an insightful discussion on the connections between nature and architectural design. #ExploringTheHeights

KIU students, this is your moment! We invite you to apply for the International Summer School 2026 under the theme “Bridging Continents: Determining Destinies – Youth, Entrepreneurship and Democracy in the Digital Age.” Happening from 6th–15th November 2026 in Eldoret and Nairobi, Kenya, this programme brings together students from Uganda, Kenya, and the Netherlands for a powerful international learning experience. Don’t miss the chance to build global networks, gain new skills, and grow as a change maker. Register now: bit.ly/3U0NWUi Application Deadline: 19th October 2026 #ExploringTheHeights

FIRST BLOOD TO THE TITANS! KIU Titans take Game One of the FUBA Division One Finals, beating Watoto 64-59. ⭐ Daniel Odonkonyero: game-high 18 points ⭐ Yesman Bushiri: 16 points, a career best in a Titans jersey ⭐ Chieng Garang: double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds The Titans trailed at half-time, then turned it around with a 20-13 third-quarter surge that proved decisive. The series is a best-of-seven, and Game Two is on Friday, 16th October. Let’s keep it going Titans! 💪 Full Story: news.kiu.ac.ug/kiu-titans-dr… #ExploringTheHeights

IRDeC 2026 | Day 3 Highlights Speaking at the closing of IRDeC 2026, Her Excellency Misitura Abdulraheem, Ambassador of Nigeria to Uganda, said Nigerian academics’ participation at the conference is not merely numerical but highly substantial. She revealed that three KIU academic staff members of Nigerian origin were recently recognised in the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists Ranking. “It reflects the intellectual footprint Nigeria continues to make in Uganda’s higher education sector and the excellent bridge that Kampala International University has built between our two countries,” she said. She also pledged the High Commission’s continued support for academic linkages, research mobility and educational exchange between Nigeria and Uganda, and presented awards to outstanding presenters and scholars. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

IRDeC 2026 | Day 3 Highlights Representing Board of Trustees Chairman Hon. Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, Mr. Ambrose Kibuuka urged participants to critically examine what “development” means when discussing science, technology and innovation. “Before we talk about research, we must first ask: Which development are we talking about? Science and technology are only tools of development,” he said. He cautioned that technology and AI, if not properly guided, can cause harm rather than advance society, and called for more industry practitioners at future conferences. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mustafa Mundu, DVC Finance and Administration, welcomed Her Excellency Misitura Abdulraheem, Ambassador of Nigeria to Uganda, and described KIU as an important bridge between Uganda and Nigeria. “The legacy you leave behind will be felt through the knowledge shared and the solutions generated,” he told researchers. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

IRDeC 2026 | Day 3 Highlights In their closing remarks at IRDeC 2026, KIU leaders urged participants to turn deliberations into action. Prof. Charles Waiswa, Director of Higher Degrees and Research, called on participants to carry the conference’s impact beyond the workshop. “I urge you to share the benefits of this conference with colleagues out there,” he said. Prof. Regina Ejemot Nwadiaro, DVC DRICE, said the conference’s success will be measured by the outcomes that follow, not only the discussions held. “I urge all of us to translate our deliberations into concrete commitments. We need to initiate interdisciplinary innovations that enhance industrial productivity,” she said. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

IRDeC 2026 | Breakout Sessions Ideas are flowing at IRDeC 2026, held under the theme “The Role of Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Workforce Efficiency, Economic Transformation and Industrialisation.” Researchers, academicians and innovators are exchanging knowledge across breakout sessions, including: 🔹 Medicine, Health and Biomedical 🔹 Environment, Agriculture and Physical Sciences 🔹 Education, Teaching, Learning and Digital Pedagogy The discussions from yesterday and today’s breakout sessions will culminate in the final session, where key insights and recommendations will be brought together. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

KIU receives a state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Laboratory from TIKA Kampala International University has received a renovated Biomedical Research Laboratory and specialised scientific equipment from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). The handover took place today (Tuesday, October 13th, 2026) at the Main Campus during Innovation Week and will strengthen research capacity, practical science education and innovation. Prof. Regina Ejemot Nwadiaro, DVC DRICE, described the handover as a transformation of diplomatic goodwill into institutional capacity. “The value of these facilities will not be measured solely by the equipment installed, but by the knowledge generated, the researchers empowered, the innovations developed, and the societal challenges addressed,” she said. Murat Cetin, TIKA Uganda Country Director, said the lab will open new opportunities for innovation, scientific discovery and international collaboration. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mustafa Mundu, DVC Finance and Administration, thanked TIKA for its continued partnership and said the lab will expand research opportunities. Dr. Asiat Mbabazi, University Secretary, called the donation an investment in knowledge creation, scientific research and the future of KIU students. Hon. Iddi Basajjabalaba, MP for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, urged students to use the facility to develop innovative solutions and called on universities to invest more in AI training and research. Read Full Story: news.kiu.ac.ug/tika-hands-ov… #ExploringTheHeights

Innovation Showcase at 2026 IRDeC Day One featured an exciting exhibition of student and researcher innovations aimed at solving real-world challenges, including: 🔹 Smart Storage Locker System – enhancing secure and efficient storage management. 🔹 Black-G Universal DNA Extraction Kit (Uganda) – a locally developed biotechnology solution for research and diagnostics. 🔹 Autonomous Emergency Logistics Drone – designed to deliver critical medical supplies to hard-to-reach communities. 🔹 Hybrid Micro-Grid Installation and Optimisation Project – improving reliable and sustainable energy access through integrated renewable power systems. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

IRDEC 2026 | Day 1 Highlights Prof. Jude T. Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, emphasized that Africa is not merely a consumer of artificial intelligence (AI) but also a contributor to its creation and development. He noted that AI has become part of our daily lives and is reshaping the way we learn. Prof. Lubega further observed that developers of AI systems are drawing on tools and resources from Africa, highlighting the continent’s role in the evolving AI landscape. Highlighting the distinction between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation. He explained that digitization involves converting information from analog to digital formats, while digitalization focuses on improving business processes through the use of digital technologies. Digital transformation, on the other hand, involves leveraging emerging technologies to develop new business systems and models, as well as enhance consumer and employee experiences. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 13th October, 2026, we are set for the handover ceremony of the newly renovated KIU Science Laboratory and equipment - fully funded through the TİKA infrastructure grant. 📅 Tuesday, 13th October 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM 📍 Main Campus, Kansanga This investment marks a major boost to our research capacity, strengthening innovation, learning, and societal impact across the University. #ExploringTheHeights

IRDEC 2026 | Day 1 Highlights Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Juma Waswa Balunywa, an Economist and former Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), challenged Africans to embrace emerging technologies as a pathway to economic transformation. He observed that Africa's slow adoption of new technologies has limited its ability to fully benefit from the digital economy and compete globally. While acknowledging the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence, Prof. Balunywa noted that "AI cannot tell you what you do not know," emphasising the importance of knowledge, innovation, and continuous learning. He also urged leaders to create meaningful impact and leave a lasting footprint through their contributions to society. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights

IRDEC 2026 | Day 1 Highlights Representing the Dr. Aminah Zawedde Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Eng. Irene Karungi, Senior ICT Infrastructure Engineer @MoICT_Ug, applauded KIU for creating a platform that connects academia, government, and industry. She noted that AI is a key driver of economic transformation and workforce efficiency, underscoring the need to equip young people with digital skills for the future of work. Eng. Karungi also highlighted the Ministry's upcoming National AI and Emerging Technology Strategy, which prioritises AI, blockchain, IoT, big data analytics, robotics, and drones. she urged universities to keep curricular responsive to the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology sector. #IRDeC2026 #ExploringTheHeights