IUIU Rector Appreciates Governments, International Partners at 34th Graduation Ceremony
- 22nd December, 2025 1:34pm
The Rector of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda as expressed profound gratitude to governments, international partners, Islamic organizations, and stakeholders whose sustained support has contributed to the growth and success of the institution over the years.
Speaking during the 34th Graduation Ceremony, the Rector, on behalf of the University’s management, staff, and students, thanked the Government of Uganda, under the leadership of H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for its continued support and enabling environment that has allowed IUIU to thrive as a center of academic excellence.
The Rector also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of friendly governments, including the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Nigeria, Turkey, and Indonesia, noting that their support has strengthened the University’s academic programs, infrastructure, and international outlook.
Special appreciation was extended to international and Islamic organizations, particularly H.E. the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and H.E. Aftab Ahmed Khokher, the OIC Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology. The Rector singled out the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) for its 37 years of unwavering support, as well as the Islamic Development Bank for its comprehensive assistance to the University.
Other partners recognized included the Muslim World League, the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) of Kuwait, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), SESRIC, and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), whose contributions have enhanced academic development, research, and student welfare.
In the area of human resource development, the Rector applauded the Higher Education Council of Turkey for providing over 35 PhD scholarships for IUIU staff, a move he said has significantly strengthened the University’s academic capacity. He also acknowledged collaborations with the University of Lahore (Pakistan) and other institutional partners, including Kibuli Muslim Hospital, the Habib family of Jeddah, Direct Aid Society, Doctors Worldwide, TURUGA, TIKA, and the SENA Foundation.
The Rector further thanked key Ugandan government ministries, notably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the lead ministry, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and other supportive departments for their guidance and cooperation.
He concluded by appreciating the collective efforts of staff, students, graduation sub-committees, security personnel, and the media, whose dedication ensured the success of the ceremony. Special recognition was given to NBS Television, Salam TV, and other media houses for live coverage, as well as the ICT team for enabling global connectivity.
The Rector emphasized that the continued collaboration and goodwill from partners remain central to IUIU’s mission of producing morally upright, professionally competent graduates who contribute positively to society.
