Kigali Independent University (ULK) and ULK Polytechnic Institute (UPI) have officially launched the 2025/2026 academic year, reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and delivering quality education. This year marks a milestone, with ULK introducing seven new master's degree programmes and UPI launching Bachelor of Technology (A0) courses in various disciplines. The launch ceremony, held on Monday, October 6, at ULK’s Kigali campus, was graced by the President and Founder of ULK and UPI, Prof. Dr. Rwigamba Balinda; the Chancellor of both institutions, Prof. Jean Marie Vianney Kayishema; the ULK Vice Chancellor, Dr. Cyprien Sikubwabo; the UPI Principal, Eng. Jean Pierre Musabyimana; and UPI Vice Principal for Academic Affairs, Daniel Balinda, among other officials. In his address, Prof. Rwigamba underscored the principles, values, and ethics that guide ULK and UPI in their mission to deliver education rooted in integrity, excellence, and innovation. He said the institutions strive to produce graduates who are not only academically competent but also serve as role models and agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. “We put in a lot of effort every day to ensure that students receive education that meets modern standards,” he said. “This involves recruiting qualified and competent lecturers from Rwanda and across Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.” He also highlighted the institutions’ state-of-the-art facilities, including modern libraries, advanced computer laboratories, and sports infrastructure, which together create a conducive learning environment. Prof. Rwigamba noted that ULK and UPI continue to strengthen partnerships with local and international institutions to promote academic excellence and innovation. As part of their academic expansion, UPI has introduced new programmes in applied sciences, now offering Bachelor of Technology (A0/BTech) degrees in several departments. Meanwhile, ULK has launched seven new master's degree programmes, with student registration already underway. The new master's programmes at ULK include: MBA in Finance MBA in Accounting MBA in Marketing MBA in Project Management MBA in Human Resource Management MBA in Procurement and Supply Chain Management Master of Software Engineering At UPI, the newly introduced Bachelor of Technology (A0) programmes include: Civil Engineering (Departments of Construction and Technology, and Land Surveying) Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Departments of Electrical Technology, Electronics & Telecommunication Technology) “We have also ensured that students have access to comfortable accommodation, reliable internet, water, and electricity. All of this is meant to create an environment where they can study effectively and happily, receiving education that meets international standards,” Prof. Rwigamba added. He concluded by expressing his deep appreciation to President Paul Kagame for his exemplary leadership, vision, and development agenda that continues to benefit not only Rwanda but Africa as a whole. He also extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its collaboration, to security organs for maintaining peace and stability, and to the university management and students for their trust and dedication. ULK Vice Chancellor Dr Sikubwabo thanked the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council (HEC) for their continued support and collaboration, reaffirming ULK’s commitment to promoting quality higher education in Rwanda. On his part, UPI Principal Eng. Musabyimana commended students and lecturers for their teamwork and dedication, urging them to remain focused and ensure that the knowledge gained translates into practical skills and professional excellence. He assured them of full cooperation from the administration in achieving academic success.
