With Princess Zahra Aga Khan in attendance, members of the Aga Khan University's Class of 2024 in Uganda celebrated their graduation on Thursday, as the University paid tribute to its late Founder and first Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, and welcomed his successor, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
At this year's Convocation, the University marked a significant milestone in its history, as it awarded its 5,000th degree or diploma in East Africa. And it looked forward to another milestone: completion of the University's Academic Centre and student residence in Kampala, which will occur later this year. The facilities are part of AKU's new 60-acre campus in Nakawa, which will also feature the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala.
“Our founding Chancellor once said that the cornerstone of his vision was opportunity – the opportunity to build a better life for oneself and one's family," President Sulaiman Shahabuddin said. “In Uganda and its neighbours, His Highness created opportunities for millions of people through the Aga Khan Development Network. Here at AKU, he gave our graduates an opportunity they have seized on – to acquire new knowledge, new skills, and a new perspective on their capacity to lead change."
“This year's Convocation is especially meaningful as we strive to honour the legacy of our Founder and Chancellor's visionary leadership, unwavering support and great love for this University and its people," Princess Zahra Aga Khan said. “Around the world, our alumni embody his aspiration for AKU graduates to be leaders and change agents who transform their professions, take on societal challenges and uplift humanity."
One hundred and eighteen women and men graduated at Thursday's convocation ceremony. Among them were nurses, midwives, educators and journalists.
“As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I encourage you to remember that the true measure of your success will not be in the degree you hold, but in the lives you touch, the care you provide and the compassion you show," said Valedictorian Caroline Imalingat.
AKU's footprint in Uganda is growing dramatically with the construction of its Kampala campus, one of the University's largest investments in East Africa to date. The seven-storey Academic Centre will house a range of degree programmes including medicine, nursing, journalism and educational development. The nine-storey student residence will provide accommodation for 180 students when fully commissioned. These facilities will be followed soon by the start of construction on the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala. The hospital will offer care in nearly two dozen specialties, ranging from family medicine to oncology. A four-storey ambulatory care building on the campus site, the Nakawa Specialty Centre, is currently offering outpatient care in a wide range of specialties in advance of the hospital's completion.
There was also a celebration of outstanding academic achievements and faculty excellence at Convocation. Student award recipients included Mutoni Suhamu, Alidriga Ronald, and Dralema James for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Kamakune Racheal, Nantongo Allen, and Namutebi Justine for the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery; and Nabateregga Margaret for the Diploma in General Nursing. Mugisha Simon Tumwine received the Academic Excellence award for the Master of Arts in Digital Journalism. Faculty honours included Dr Caroline Namukwaya for the Outstanding Teacher Award, Dr John Baptist Asiimwe for the Faculty Research Award, and Cliff Aliga for the Public Service Award. Furthermore, Dr Mary Namuguzi and Dr Caroline Namukwaya were awarded Fellowships of the Higher Education Academy for meeting international teaching benchmarks.
