Ahaki Institute: New degree-awarding institution launched
With its curriculum accredited by the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE), the institute will offer specialized programmes in health and social justice.
Owekitibwa Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko who represented the Katikito of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga launching the auditorium. ( Photos by Agnes Kyotalengerire)
Agnes Kyotalengerire
Journalist @New Vision
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Ahaki Institute, a new degree-awarding institution, was launched Thursday (March 27) in Gayaza, Wakiso district.
With its curriculum accredited by the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE), the institute will offer specialized programmes in health and social justice.
Its flagship academic programmes — Bachelor's and Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health — are set to begin this August.
Owekitibwa Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko planting a symbolic tree together with the vice chancellor Ahaki Prof Moses Mulumba.
During the launch, Ahaki also unveiled its auditorium which has been designed to facilitate dialogue, research and innovation. Also unveiled was the inaugural edition of the African Journal of Health and Social Justice aimed at "amplifying indigenous research".
Buganda Kingdom premier, Charles Peter Mayiga, was represented by Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, who relayed his message.
Kikomeko is the minister for social services in the kingdom.
The Director General Health Services at MOH Dr Charles Olaro addressing guests at the Ahaki Institite launch.
In his message, Mayiga said the institute's programmes will "directly contribute to the growth and stability of our country".
Kikomeko planted a symbolic tree as part of the formalities.
Dr Charles Olaro, the director general of health services at the health ministry, said the entry of Ahaki Institute will "contribute to a dynamic human resource with the knowledge and skill required to improve health outcomes in the country".
He further noted that the issues of adequate funding and workforce shortages are key, expressing his delight that Ahaki "is coming to contribute to this".
The Vice Chancellor Ahaki Institute Prof Moses Mulumba addressing guests flanked by staff of Ahaki Afya na Haki.
In her keynote address, Ahaki Institute Chancellor Prof. Musisi Nakanyike said: “We gather here not merely to mark the accreditation and licensure of a new degree-awarding institution but to also reaffirm a fundamental truth: Africa’s progress is tied to its ability to produce, retain, and apply knowledge that is relevant to its people."
She said institutions such as Ahaki are at the forefront of this mission of providing specialized education and reshaping the foundations upon which knowledge is produced and disseminated in Africa.
The chancellor said that by creating academic programmes that are deeply rooted in African knowledge systems and responsive to the continent’s needs, Ahaki not only educates but also inspires professionals to stay, serve, and lead change from within.
Ahaki Institute board chairperson Prof. Ben Twinomugisha thanked NCHE for licensing the institute and spoke of their readiness to begin their flagship programmes.