|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
London-based African Leadership Magazine has crowned Kampala International University Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Al Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba as the African Educationist of the Year 2024.
Dr Basajjabalaba joins other influential African Persons of the Year 2024 named by the Magazine including, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, along with President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and President João Lourenço of Angola who emerged as winners in three major categories—African of the Year, African Political Leader of the Year, and African Peace and Security Leader of the Year, respectively. In addition, the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja emerged as a co-winner in the African Female Leader of the Year category.
The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year is Africa’s premier vote-based endorsement, annually reserved for leading Africans who contribute to the continent’s progress and positively alter its perceived image.
Dr Basajjabalaba founded Kampala International University (KIU) in 2001, with the goal of addressing the need for more higher education opportunities in Uganda.
As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he has been pivotal in guiding the university’s growth and development.
Under his leadership, KIU has expanded significantly, establishing multiple campuses, including the main campus in Kansanga, Kampala, and the Western campus in Bushenyi. The Western campus also houses the KIU Teaching Hospital, which is one of the largest private teaching hospitals in Uganda, with a 1,150-bed capacity.
Basajjabalaba’s vision for KIU emphasizes not only academic excellence but also practical training, particularly in health sciences. The School of Health Sciences at the Western campus has become a notable center for training medical professionals, playing a critical role in the healthcare sector.
The university offers a variety of programs in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and public health, which helps to address the need for skilled healthcare workers in the region.
His strategic leadership extends beyond the expansion of facilities and academic programs; he has also promoted research, innovation, and community outreach as core components of the university’s mission.
KIU has actively engaged in partnerships with local and international institutions to advance research and improve the quality of education.
Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, KIU was involved in supporting government efforts by implementing measures at its teaching hospital to handle potential cases, showcasing the institution’s commitment to community service.
Basajjabalaba’s contributions have significantly shaped KIU into one of the leading private universities in Uganda, providing education to thousands of students and fostering an environment that promotes holistic development.
African Persons of the Year
In his statement, publisher of the African Leadership magazine, Dr Ken Giami noted the extraordinary contributions of the nominees and winners to Africa’s growth story. Indeed every nominee is a winner.
“However, I specially congratulate our winners for their contributions to African progress and development. They represent a force for good on the continent and we are proud to stand with them at this time in our history”
The winners and runners-up will be formally presented with instruments of honour during the flagship annual 14th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year awards ceremony, scheduled for 27–28 February 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco.
The highlights of the event would include the POTY awards presentation, high-level plenary, business investment showcases, states and countries’ investment opportunities showcases, roundtable discussions, and multi-networking sessions, as well as an unveiling of the African Leadership Magazine special POTY edition.
The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony is a flagship annual event hosted by African Leadership Magazine for the past 13 years, bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa and around the world to largely celebrate people-centred leadership and Africans driving a pan-African agenda.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 400 delegates, providing a unique platform for multi-dimensional and intimate networking, collaborations, and partnerships, while facilitating dialogue, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges to advance a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.