Kampala International University has come out to respond to serious allegations that have been in wide circulation on social media concerning a suicide note, apparently anonymous and written by a medical student from the institution. The university made an official statement expressing concern over the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment towards the welfare of students.
The anonymous letter, purportedly from a medical student, expressed frustrations directed at the KIU administration and academic progression. According to the note, the university unabashedly elongated the studying time of a student and caused him unnecessary stress. It was addressed to the mother of the student, painting a rather distressing picture of the experiences that this student has gone through in the medical program.
KIU Official Response
On the other hand, KIU’s management has taken the issue seriously and investigated it conclusively; their inquiry found no such kind of author among its students or the mentioned parents in the note. Irrespective of it, the University still strives to assist its students in their psychological and social needs.
Statement of the KIU Management
“The Management of KIU is greatly alarmed by the anonymous suicide threat of an alleged medical student of the University. Investigations into this matter have yielded no such author among our students or even parents to whom this alleged suicide note was addressed. Be that as it may, the University has all systems in place to address the psychological and social/mental health needs of all our students,” the spokesperson said.
Clarification from KIU.
- Duration and Structure of the Curriculum: The duration KIU offers for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, BMS, is five and a half years. This is in accordance with standards set by NCHE, Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, and the East African Community Medical and Dental Councils. This may be due to personal challenges such as retakes, financial difficulties, and health problems, all causing delays in graduating.
- Clinical Rotations: KIU medical students participate in clinical rotations throughout various medical facilities in Uganda. Practical work experience improves the nurturing of clinical skills and exposes the student to varied medical environments. Satellite regional referral hospitals, within which the University is well networked, help provide the necessary training and accommodations during rotations.
- Logistical Arrangements: KIU is supportive during clinical rotations by providing transport and accommodation to students at no extra cost. All is done to ensure the safety of students and hence creating better learning experiences.
- Handling of Disruptions: The University recognizes the disruption of progress caused by the COVID-19 and Ebola epidemics on students’ progress. KIU remains committed to enabling students to complete their studies and also maintains high standards in education. It emphasizes that all academic and professional requirements have to be met, despite pressures for fast-track graduation.
- The commitment of KIU to quality education in all fields shall remain at the heart of all its engagements. It, therefore, assures all its stakeholders that the concerns of all its students are addressed at a professional level and its education standards shall be upheld.
KIU responded well to this call with renewed commitment to addressing not only the issues that had been reported but also broader needs of their student body. The institution continues to prioritize students’ well-being and excellence in education.
