75-Year-Old Widow Graduates with Master’s in Public Health from KIU

Betty Irumba, a 75-year-old widow and mother of three, showed incredible determination by earning a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Kampala International University (KIU). She graduated during the university’s 31st ceremony on July 26, 2025, at the Western Campus in Ishaka. Her achievement amazed the university community and many others because of her age and the challenges she faced.

Betty comes from Hoima District. She worked with women’s organizations for most of her life, which made the Master’s in Public Health program very appealing to her. She already had a Higher Diploma from Kyambogo University and a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Still, she decided to return to school to study a subject she believes can help communities, especially women.

She chose KIU because it was close to her workplace and offered a weekend program that fit her work schedule. However, her journey was not easy. Paying tuition with her salary was difficult, and things got harder during the COVID-19 pandemic when she became very sick. Her sons and sisters helped her recover, and she was grateful for their support.

Despite these challenges, Betty continued her studies. Her graduation on July 26 was a proud moment for her and a historic event for KIU’s Western Campus, as she became one of its oldest graduates. She felt excited and thankful to be among the first to graduate from the campus.

The Vice Chancellor of KIU, Dr. Eric Mabonga, praised her accomplishment during the ceremony, noting that Betty, a 75-year-old widow and mother of three, earned her Master’s in Public Health. Her story spread widely, inspiring people across the country and starting discussions about lifelong learning, gender equality, and community health.

Betty’s graduation alongside hundreds of others shows her strength and serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.