MIU Celebrates 10 Years, Plans New Campuses in Hoima, Ntungamo and Rwenjeru
Mbarara: Metropolitan International University (MIU) has celebrated 10 years of growth in higher education, highlighting its expansion from two provisionally registered academic programmes to more than 106 accredited and nationally recognised programmes.
The anniversary celebrations were held on October 24, at the university’s Mbarara Campus in Biharwe Division, Mbarara City, under the theme, “Building Futures, Transforming Lives.”
Students and staff from the university’s campuses in Kisoro, Kampala and Mbarara joined parents, well-wishers, education stakeholders and other partners to celebrate the milestone.
The celebrations began with a procession through Biharwe Division, as participants reflected on the university’s contribution to education and community development over the past decade.
MIU was established following an idea by Dr. Ariyo Gracious Kazaara, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and the university’s vision bearer. He shared his dream with Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, who is now the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
According to the university’s history, MIU started with 11 lecturers teaching a small number of students. At the time, Dr. Arinaitwe was reportedly the only lecturer with a PhD.
The university has since grown to employ more than 700 staff members, including 39 PhD holders, according to figures presented during the celebrations.
MIU currently operates campuses in Kisoro, Kampala and Mbarara, with plans to expand to other parts of Uganda.
The planned expansion includes a satellite campus at Rwenjeru, focusing on agriculture and environmental science, as well as new campuses in Hoima and Ntungamo, where land has reportedly already been acquired.
Speaking during the celebrations, Dr. Kazaara said the university remained committed to making higher education affordable and accessible to more Ugandans.
He said affordability had been part of his original vision and revealed that approximately 12,000 students had graduated from the university and joined the job market.
Dr. Kazaara also emphasised the importance of skills development, research and innovation. He said the university was embracing competency-based education, which focuses on what learners can do and the problems they can solve rather than relying only on academic qualifications.
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Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Julius Arinaitwe, called on staff members to remain committed and continue working hard as the university enters its second decade.
He said the anniversary was an important milestone not only for the institution but also for its staff, students, graduates and other members of the university community.
Dr. Arinaitwe also launched the university’s bursary week, scheduled to begin on Sunday, and handed over 250 bursaries to Mbarara City Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda.
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In her remarks, Kamuhanda commended MIU for contributing to the development of Mbarara City, particularly Biharwe Division.
She said the university’s presence had attracted more people to the area, created business opportunities and improved the livelihoods of local residents.
Kamuhanda also praised the university’s scholarship and bursary programmes, saying they help learners access higher education.
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The Vice-Chairperson of the Metropolitan International University Alumni Students Association, Harriet Ayebare, described the anniversary as a celebration of a journey of learning, inspiration and preparing future generations.
She said the university’s growth over the past decade reflected the combined efforts of students, parents, staff and partners who had supported its development.
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Meanwhile, Pastor Tumwine Benon of Holy Spirit Fire Church in Mbarara, who led the thanksgiving service, attributed the university’s progress to God’s guidance.
He said faith had been part of the institution’s journey since its establishment and expressed hope for continued growth in the coming years.
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