Prof. Kateregga Honoured for Transforming East Africa’s Higher Education Landscape
Kigali, Rwanda — The founding Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University, Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, has been awarded the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award: Architect of East African Higher Education & Youth Development” at the Global Well-Respected CEOs Conference & Awards 2026 held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The award, presented during a high-level gathering of global leaders, scholars, and innovators on Wednesday, March 12, recognizes Prof. Kateregga’s decades-long contribution to advancing higher education and youth empowerment across East Africa.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Mr. Muhamed Faquih, the Deputy Resident Director of Kampala University, Prof. Kateregga expressed profound humility and gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both a personal honor and a proof to the collective efforts of those committed to education as a transformative force.
“This recognition is not only a personal honor but also a testament to the collective efforts of all who believe in the transformative power of education and youth empowerment,” the speech read.
Prof. Kateregga, also highlighted his longstanding vision of using education as a catalyst for national and regional development. He emphasized that institutions he founded—including Kampala University in Uganda, The East African University in Nairobi, Kenya, and East African University Rwanda—were established to equip young people with knowledge, discipline, and character.
“I have often said: education is the most reliable passport for a nation’s progress,” he noted, adding that empowering youth to become “architects of a stronger, more prosperous, and forward-looking Africa” remains his guiding mission.
Prof. Kateregga underscored the importance of leadership that extends beyond profit margins to societal impact.
“True leadership is measured by the impact we leave on societies, the communities we uplift, and the investments we make in the next generation,” he stated.
He further emphasized that such international platforms serve as critical bridges between industries, institutions, and nations, fostering collaboration that drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The speech also called for sustained efforts to strengthen partnerships between academia and industry, promote ethical leadership, and create opportunities for young innovators.
In his remarks at the event, Mr. Faquih Kateregga, Resident Director of Kampala University who represented the Vice-Chancellor, described the award as a powerful affirmation of a lifelong commitment to education and youth empowerment.
“This Lifetime Achievement Award represents not merely a personal achievement but a deep assertion of a lifelong commitment to advancing higher education and youth empowerment across East Africa,” he said.
He added that the recognition validates decades of investment by Kampala University and its sister institutions in building accessible and quality education systems that produce skilled and visionary graduates.
Other members of the university delegation included Sports Director Mr. Faizal Mubiru and Guild President Mr. Lubega Mubarak.
The conference, held under the theme “The Inclusive Legacy: Building Our Global Future,” brought together CEOs, policymakers, and academics to explore sustainable leadership and global collaboration.
By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
The Public Relations Officer Kampala University