Uganda: Prof Yunus Mgaya Installed As New Chancellor of KIU

Prof. Yunus Mgaya has been inaugurated as the fourth chancellor of Kampala International University.

Mgaya, a Tanzanian, was sworn in on Wednesday at a function held at KIU and presided over by the university’s chairman Board of Trustees, Al Hajj Dr. Hassan BassajjaBalaba.

The new chancellor replaces Prof. Mahmood Mamdani who had served in the position since July 2020.

In his acceptance speech, Mgaya, said he was humbled and honoured when offered the chancellorship of such a ‘prestigious’ institution in Uganda.

“The nurturing of young minds by institutions of higher education, regardless of their size, is an endeavour that has always been very dear to my heart. I am looking forward to taking on that glorious task with you during my time as Chancellor,” Mgaya said.

He also paid tribute to the outgoing chancellor, Mamdani, for the contributions he has made to the Kansanga-based university.

“I can only imagine the sacrifices he made and I want to assure him along with the entire University community, stakeholders and partners of my commitment to the mission of this great institution. I look forward to a fruitful and productive working relationship with you all and I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome you have given me.”

Who is Mgaya, KIU’s new chancellor?

Yunus Daud Mgaya is an experienced administrator who has held various administrative positions at the University of Dar es Salaam. He is a Professor of Marine Biology at the same university.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Marine Biology from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1986.

In 1991, he joined the National University of Ireland-Galway and obtained his Ph.D. in Marine Aquaculture in 1995.

He has received several academic awards including one from Commonwealth and Irish Government.

He is also a member of various professional bodies including Asian Fisheries Society and Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association.