Meet Our Visionary Founder

Amb. Alhaj, Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga

Ambassador, AL-Haj , Professor Emeritus, Doctor of Letters, National Hero

Driven by an unwavering commitment to education and excellence, Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga established Kampala University with a vision to empower future generations through knowledge, innovation, and integrity. With a legacy rooted in leadership, dedication, and academic excellence, our founder’s mission continues to shape the institution, inspiring students to reach new heights.

Read Message Explore Legacy

50+ Years of Achievements

Message From The Founder

A Word from Amb. Alhaj, Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga

Ambassador Professor Alhaji Badru Dungu Kateregga is a distinguished academic, diplomat, and visionary leader whose profound contributions to the education sector in East Africa have left an indelible mark on the region. As the founder of several esteemed universities, he has been a driving force in expanding access to higher education, fostering academic excellence, and nurturing future leaders. His institutions are celebrated for their commitment to innovation, research, and community engagement, providing transformative opportunities for students across East Africa.

With a career spanning decades, Professor Kateregga has not only shaped the educational landscape but has also served as a bridge between nations, leveraging his diplomatic expertise to promote collaboration and development. His dedication to education as a tool for social and economic empowerment has inspired countless individuals and institutions, making him a revered figure in the academic and diplomatic communities. A man of integrity, wisdom, and vision, Ambassador Professor Alhaji Badru Dungu Kateregga continues to inspire through his lifelong commitment to education, peace, and progress. His legacy is one of hope, transformation, and the unwavering belief in the power of knowledge to uplift societies and shape a brighter future for East Africa and beyond.

Amb. Alhaj, Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga Ambassador, AL-Haj , Professor Emeritus, Doctor of Letters, National Hero

Awards & Decorations

Recognition and Service

The Order of King Abdulaziz (Class I)

The order is awarded to citizens of Saudi Arabia and foreigners for meritorious service to the Kingdom. The Council of Ministers makes the nominations but the King confers awards to foreigners himself when he determines it to be appropriate

Nalubaale Heroes medal of Honor

Awarded to all civilian activists who have contributed to the political development of Uganda, either through armed struggle or civil disobedience, pursuant to section 3 of the National Honours and Awards Act of 2001

Uganda Golden Jubilee medal

Awarded by the President of Uganda in recognition of outstanding service and loyalty to Uganda. Honorees are selected by the Presidential Awards Committee, which is responsible for identifying, selecting, vetting and forwarding norm

IIFWP Ambassador for Peace Award

By Ambassadors for Peace initiative - The International Interreligious Federation for World Peace – IIFWP was UPF's predecessor organization. in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding and interfaith harmony. His work often focuses on bridging gaps between different religious traditions and fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Also Awarded to those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to universal moral values, strong family life, interreligious cooperation, international harmony, renewal of the United Nations

Uganda Visionary Award

An annual Visionaries of Uganda Award, awarded to individauls recognition of the outstanding contribution towards helping Uganda achieve Middle income goal and vision 2040

IUIU 30th Anniversary Award

Recognition of Achievements: was established to recognize outstanding contributions to the values and goals of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). Celebrating its 30th anniversary, IUIU sought to honor individuals and organizations who have made significant impacts in areas aligned with its mission, such as education, community development, and interfaith dialogue

Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum Award

The Vice-Chancellor's Awards recognize the achievements and celebrate success across the collegiate University, from academics and researchers to professional, technical and support staff

Chief Scout Commissioner Award

Awarded by The Uganda Scouts Association. Award is an honor presented by the Uganda Scouts Association to recognize exceptional service, leadership, and contributions to scouting in Uganda. The award is typically given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and have made significant impacts within the scouting movement in Leadership, Service, and Commitment to Scouting Values

World Saver Excellence Award

Is an accolade given to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to global sustainability, humanitarian efforts, and the promotion of peace. In Uganda, the award is often presented to those who have made impactful contributions towards social, economic, and environmental betterment

Humanitaire Exceptionnel de Paix Decerner Award

Translated as the "Exceptional Humanitarian Peace Award," is typically given to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to humanitarian efforts and the promotion of peace

Nobel Humanitarian Award for The Dignity of a Girl

A prestigious accolade that recognises outstanding efforts to promote and protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of girls around the world. This award highlights significant contributions to improving the lives of girls, particularly in areas where they face severe challenges such as inequality, violence, or lack of access to education and healthcare

Legacy

A Legacy of Knowledge and Leadership

Explore the educational journey, professional experience, and community service that shaped a visionary leader dedicated to academic excellence and global impact.

1956-1961:
Kabasanda Primary School, obtained PLE certificate-Grade I

1964-1967:
Kabasanda Junior Secondary School, obtained a Junior Leaving and Senior Entrance Certificate (Grade I).

1964-1967:
Kibuli Secondary School, Obtained a Cambridge Advanced School Certificate “O” Level Grade I

1968-1969:
Kibuli Secondary School, Advanced level. Obtained a Cambridge Advanced School Certificate 3 Ps IS

1970-1973:
Makerere University, Kampala Studied History, Islamic Studies, Economics, Psychology and Education. Attained BA (Hons) Upper Second and Diploma in Education (with distinction)

1973-1975:
University of London at SOAS; Obtained MA (Middle Eastern Studies)

1986:
Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) Mennonite University (USA)

2010:
Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) Kampala University

2013:
PhD (Honoris Causa) Ed. The East African University Kitengela, Nairobi, Kenya

1973:
Assistant Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Makerere University. Concurrently, taught “A” level History and “O” Level Islamic studies at Kibuli Secondary School, Kampala.

1974:
Full time Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Makerere University.

1976-1977:
Head, Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Makerere University

1978 – 1979:
Senior Lecturer at Shanzu Teachers College in Mombasa. Taught Foundations of Education, Philosophy of Education, Islamic studies and History.

1989 – 1981:
A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

1981 – 1984:
Senior Lecturer at Kenyatta University, Nairobi Specializing in Teacher Education

1985-1986:
Visiting Professor at the Mennonite University, Virginia, USA. Taught Islamic studies, Comparative Religion and Islamic History.

1986-1996:
Ambassador (Extra Ordinary and Plenipotentiary) of Uganda to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, State of Bahrain, Sultanate of Oman, United Arab Emirates, State of Qatar, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Iraq with residence in Riyadh.

Permanent Representative to the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

1990-1994:
Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors (30 of them) accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Riyadh.

1994-1996:
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of the 120 Ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1997-1998:
Managing Director / Chairman of BDK Enterprises Ltd, Kampala, Uganda.

Chairman of the Uganda-Saudi Trade and Investments committee of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Patron: Uganda Muslims with Disability Association.

1999:
External Examiner - Faculty of Islamic and Arabic studies (IUIU) Mbale

2005:
Chief Internal Examiner for core courses in the MA programme for Peace and Conflict Studies at Makerere University.

2007:
External Examiner, Religious Studies and Education, Kyambogo University, Kampala

2010:
Owekitiibwa in charge of Education, member of The Great Buganda Lukiiko

2010:
Vice President of International Union of Muslim Scouts-Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2010:
Chairman National Union Uganda Muslim Scouts (NUUMS)

2011 To date:
Chairman International Scouts and Guides Fellowship Uganda Chapter

Chairman Board of Trustees and Chief sponsor, The East African University (Kitengela Nairobi-Kenya)

2011-2014:
Chairman the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum

2015 To date:
Chairman Board of Trustees and Chief sponsor, East African University Rwanda

2014 to date:
Chief Commissioner, Buganda Royal Scout Movement.

2021 to date:
Patron of Uganda’s National Male Netball Team, THE ROCK.

2022 to date:
Uganda Chief Scout - Uganda Scouts Association.

Book Publications

Published Works

A selection of publications connected to the Founder’s scholarship, leadership, and institutional legacy.