President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) to utilize its newly established Faculty of Engineering and Technology as a “testimony of growth” and a critical pillar in diversifying the country’s academic landscape.
The President’s message was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented him as Chief Guest at IUIU’s 34th Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday at the university’s Main Campus in Mbale.
“I challenge you to utilize this building to enhance national capacity for scientific research, innovation, and value addition,” the President’s statement read. “Science and technology are dreams come true for the NRM leadership because they speed up the development dreams of this country.”
Vice President Alupo addressed 2,484 graduands, urging them to shift their mindset from job-seeking to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Acknowledging the increasingly competitive labour market, Alupo noted that government employment alone cannot absorb the growing number of graduates.
“I encourage them to be innovators and creators of their own jobs,” Alupo said. She described the youth as the nation’s “greatest asset” and advised them to view their degrees as a “sharpener” for lifelong learning rather than a final destination.
The Rector of IUIU, Associate Professor Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, highlighted the university’s rapid transformation from a modest institution into a globally recognised academic centre.
“IUIU has experienced remarkable growth, with total student enrollment soaring from approximately 8,000 in 2021 to over 14,457 students across its four campuses,” Prof. Gyagenda announced.
Of the 2,484 students who graduated, 51 per cent were female—a milestone the Rector described as a major achievement in advancing inclusive education.
Prof. Gyagenda urged the graduands to balance faith with action. Quoting a prophetic tradition—“Tie your camel first, then ask Allah to protect it”—he challenged them to be administrators who respond to emails and entrepreneurs who do not shy away from fulfilling their tax obligations.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate upon Vice President Jessica Alupo in recognition of her distinguished service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and her transformative tenure as former Minister of Education.
Rehema Kantono, the university’s Public Relations Officer, said Alupo’s strong advocacy for girl-child education was a key consideration for the award.
“As champions in supporting the girl-child, we saw it fit to honour someone who has played such a pivotal role in the same cause,” Kantono explained.
The 34th graduation ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries, including the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje; Ambassador Ahmed Holla, Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Dr Mohamed Saleh of the Islamic Solidarity Fund; the Emir of Rano from Nigeria; and delegations from Turkey and Burkina Faso.
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