News and Events

IUIU and Turuga Foundation Sign MoU to Support Imaams’ Education

• 10th April, 2025 4:04pm

On April 7, 2025, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Turuga Foundation during a meeting in the Rector’s Office. The event, convened by the Centre for Capacity Development (CCD), aimed to establish a partnership to support Imaams facing financial difficulties in completing their education.

The meeting opened with a prayer, followed by the adoption of the agenda and participant introductions. Dr. Abdulhafiz Walusimbi presented the background to the initiative, highlighting tuition challenges that have hindered many Imaams from completing their studies. He noted that the partnership emerged from discussions between CCD and the Turuga Foundation, focusing on providing social support to the affected students. He also mentioned the growth in Idaad graduates from 23 to 37 as an encouraging trend.

The Turuga Foundation, represented by its Resident Country Director, Mr. Fatih Baloglu, introduced the organization as a charitable foundation registered in 2018 in Uganda. Initially focused on supporting students in primary and secondary education, the foundation also conducts humanitarian activities such as animal sacrifice. 

The Rector of IUIU, Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, thanked Allah for the opportunity to form this partnership and prayed for the acceptance of fasting during the holy month. He expressed appreciation for the generosity of the Turkish people and commended the work of the Turuga Foundation. He highlighted the concerning lack of basic Qur’anic knowledge among some Imaams and stressed the importance of such collaborations. He also thanked Mr. Saim Celik for facilitating the engagement.

Joining the Rector were the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jamil Serwanga, and other representatives from IUIU. The meeting concluded with the official signing of the MoU and a closing prayer, marking the beginning of a meaningful educational partnership.