PROF BADRU KATEREGGA HONOURED FOR TRANSFORMING EAST AFRICA’S HIGHER EDUCATION

By Our Reporter

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.

Kateregga, recently lifted Uganda’s flag high on the continental stage after being bestowed with the most prestigious Scouts award, “The Elephant”, during the 19th Africa Scout Conference in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Elephant Award, considered the pinnacle of recognition in the Scouting fraternity, was awarded to Prof. Kateregga in recognition of his excellent service, exceptional support, and significant contributions to the growth, development, and impact of the Scout Movement.

Prof. Kateregga, who also serves as the Chief Scout of Uganda, Chairman of the National Union of Uganda Muslim Scouts, Chief Commissioner of the Buganda Royal Scouts Movement, Chairman of the International Scouts and Guides Fellowship–Uganda Chapter, and Vice-President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, has over the years demonstrated strong royalty to promoting Scouting ideals of leadership, peace, and community service.

Representing Uganda at the conference alongside Prof. Kateregga was a formidable delegation that included Prof. Maggie Kigozi, Deputy Resident Director of Kampala University; Mr. Faquih Muhammad Kateregga, Ms. Patra, and so many others underscoring Uganda’s active participation in shaping the regional Scouting agenda.

The 19th Africa Scout Conference, organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) Africa, opened on September 18, 2025, at the International Conference Centre of Ivato (CCI Ivato). The four-day event brought together over 200 delegates from more than 40 countries, united under the theme: “Living Together for Peace.” The conference is the highest governing body of Scouting in Africa and takes place every three years to define the direction and priorities of the movement.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Hon. Abdulah Marson Moustapha, Minister of Youth and Sports of Madagascar, and Her Excellency Harilala Ramanantsoa, Mayor of Antananarivo. It was also graced by David Berg, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement; Mori Cheng, Vice-Chairperson of the World Scout Committee; Maina Kiranga, Chairperson of the Africa Scout Committee; and Frederic Kama-Kama, Africa Regional Director, alongside representatives from UN agencies and global partners.