In July, as Kampala International University (KIU) held its thirty-first graduation ceremony at its Ishaka campus in western Uganda, one name rose above the sea of gowns and mortarboards.
Charles Rwankote Mugumya walked away not just with a degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies but with the highest cumulative grade point average in KIU’s history—4.84. It was a record-breaking performance, edging past the previous mark of 4.81. Yet when asked about it, Rwankote shrugs.
“How long I hold the record doesn’t matter,” he said. “What matters is how I use it to make an impact.”
A TEACHER AT HEART
Rwankote already stands out among Uganda’s young graduates. Soon after earning his degree, he joined KIU as a teaching assistant, guiding first-year students through the complex terrain of global politics.
Teaching, he says, is something that has always come naturally.
“As a lecturer, I want to equip the next generation of scholars and diplomats with critical thinking skills, a deep understanding of global issues, and a passion for diplomacy that promotes peace and collaboration,” he explained.
The habit was nurtured decades ago, when as a boy at Kitante primary school in Kampala, he would help classmates understand lessons by breaking them down with humor and impressions of teachers. That mix of charisma and patience earned him popularity then, and it continues to serve him well now in front of university students.
FOLLOWING HIS MOTHER’S PATH
Rwankote’s pursuit of diplomacy is also deeply personal. His late mother, Ambassador Vasta Rwankote, was a career diplomat who represented Uganda in Ethiopia, India and Germany before her death in 2012.
“I want to honor my mother,” he said softly. “She lived for diplomacy, and I want to carry that forward.”
Traveling with her, he studied in Addis Ababa, London and India, picking up languages along the way, Aramaic, Hindi, and French. That multilingual edge, combined with lived experience across cultures, has reinforced his belief that diplomacy is about bridging divides.
“My ultimate goal is to advocate for inclusive, sustainable solutions to global challenges—conflict resolution, climate change, human rights. I want to amplify underrepresented voices and help build a more equitable and connected world,” he said.
AMBITION WITH A PLAN
Rwankote is not just dreaming; he has mapped out a strategy. In the next year, he plans to expand his professional network by connecting with at least 10 diplomats, academics and policy experts through seminars, mentorships and internships.
He is pursuing a master’s degree with a target of scoring at least 85 percent in coursework and aims to publish a paper in a respected international journal.
“I know the steps I need to take,” he said.
“Building credibility takes time, but every step counts.” At home, he is also balancing life as a father. His 13-year-old son sits for primary leaving exams later this year.
“I missed out on some things when I was younger, chasing life instead of focusing on academics,” he reflected. “Now, at this stage, I study with a purpose. I want to be a role model for my son.”
WHY NOW, WHY FOREIGN SERVICE?
Uganda’s job market has often been unforgiving, particularly for graduates in International Relations and related fields. But Rwankote believes the world is opening up.
“There are so many opportunities in the United Nations system, in NGOs, even in tourism and infrastructure. The skills are needed,” he said.
He is also convinced that Uganda needs more career diplomats with broad worldviews.
“Our country must show up better on the global stage. That’s where I hope to serve.” Rwankote admits he was 0.2 points shy of a perfect 5.0 score.
“That’s a reminder that you can always do better,” he laughed. But the accomplishment, he said, is less about numbers than discipline—never missing lectures, staying engaged with professors, and weaving global current affairs into his coursework.
As he looks ahead to a career in foreign service, he keeps one lesson close: “Peace is built when people listen, learn and connect across differences. That is what I want to dedicate my life to.”
From a boy cracking jokes in a Kampala classroom to a record-breaking graduate with his eyes on the diplomatic world, Charles Rwankote’s journey is proof that academic success can be more than a personal triumph—it can be a stepping stone to service.
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