Kampala University shines at Africa Academia Conference and Awards in Kigali

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

• Event spotlights digital transformation, renewable energy, and ICT solutions shaping Africa’s education future

Kigali, November 5, 2025.—The Africa Academia Conference and Awards, organized by The Business Executive Media Group, lit up Kigali’s M-Hotel on Wednesday evening, November 5, 2025.

The continental gathering brought together academics, innovators, and institutional leaders under the theme “Digital Transformation, Renewable Energy, and ICT Solutions for Education in Africa.”

Opening the evening with a prayer and words of reflection, the moderator set a tone of unity, innovation, and gratitude. “We hope to learn, innovate even more, and return next year to celebrate the tangible impacts we have made on our continent,” she said, welcoming participants from across Africa to Rwanda’s warm hospitality.

The highlight of the evening came as Kampala University received the Leadership and Excellence Award for Accessible Education, recognizing its commitment to inclusive learning and regional impact. “Education must be accessible to everyone”

Speaking after receiving the award, Rashida Kateregga, the university’s Resident Director and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the organizers for honoring the university’s efforts to make education more inclusive.

“We were recognized for ensuring education is accessible to everyone,” she said. “We offer scholarships, bursaries, and flexible study programs for those who cannot attend full-time classes—such as weekend and in-service programs. Our goal is to remove every barrier that could prevent someone from pursuing higher education.”

Kateregga also reaffirmed Kampala University’s presence in Rwanda.

“We have an office in Kigali and welcome everyone to explore what we offer. We are here to serve and to be part of an institution of greatness,” she added.

“ICT is not optional—it’s essential”

Another key voice at the event was Jilly Claude Uwizeyimana, Founder and CEO of Innovation Business Technology College (IBTC), who underlined the need for Africa’s education systems to embrace digital transformation.

“It is important to digitalize everything possible,” he said. “ICT cuts across every aspect of life—agriculture, health, business—and it’s through digital skills that we solve local problems efficiently.”

Uwizeyimana’s institution trains young Rwandans in digital and creative disciplines, offering short, hands-on courses in film, design, and ICT.

“At IBTC, our students learn quickly, in both English and Kinyarwanda, and they are already transforming their families and communities,” he explained. “Digital education is not just about technology; it’s about creating opportunities.”

A regional vision for innovation

Muhammad Faquih Ddungu Kateregga, Deputy Resident Director of Kampala University and CEO of the BDK Network, highlighted the university’s growing regional footprint and commitment to technological innovation.

“We are one of the biggest universities in the region,” he said. “Our office in Kigali helps Rwandan students process admissions and access information before joining our campuses in Uganda.”

On the academic front, Kateregga emphasized that the institution is already aligning with the conference theme through a competence-based curriculum and practical innovation.

“Last week, we held a hackathon in Kampala, bringing together students from all our campuses to showcase digital innovations,” he said. “We are preparing graduates who are ready for the real world.”

Kampala University has also begun training staff in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to keep pace with global trends.

“AI has more good than bad if used responsibly,” he noted. “We are preparing our lecturers and students to integrate it meaningfully in teaching and research.”

Building Africa’s academic future

The conference also featured keynote speaker Dr. Carol Boateng, Principal of the Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Agogo (Ghana), who called for stronger investment in healthcare education and the empowerment of nurses and midwives as leaders of primary care.

Her message, rooted in faith and humanity, resonated deeply with the audience.

“Our students must not only learn how to administer injections, but how to administer hope,” she said, urging educators to blend technical knowledge with compassion and service.

As the evening concluded with networking and celebration, one message stood out: Africa’s future lies in merging technology, innovation, and values-driven education.

The event was not only a celebration of excellence but a powerful reminder that the continent’s transformation will be driven by its classrooms, its innovators, and its commitment to inclusive, digitally empowered learning.

     

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