News and Events

TiKA Country Director Visits Females’ and Kampala Campuses to  Strengthen Collaboration

• 21st November, 2024 7:23pm

The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) strengthened its partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) during a series of significant engagements in November 2024. On November 13, IUIU’s Rector, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, accompanied by senior university officials, visited TiKA’s Country Director, H.E. Murat Cetin, at his office in Kampala. Discussions revolved around revitalizing the Reverse Linkage Project, which focuses on vocational training for Trainers of Trainers. The Rector also proposed innovative projects such as a modern poultry farm, an apiary research centre, and coffee value addition in the Elgon region. H.E. Cetin expressed enthusiasm for these initiatives, particularly the apiary project, and requested a proposal by December 2024. He also highlighted opportunities in science laboratory development and pledged to visit IUIU’s campuses soon.

On November 18, H.E. Cetin toured IUIU’s Females’ Campus and Kampala Campus to assess ongoing needs and explore collaboration areas. At the Females’ Campus, the Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Medina Nabukera, emphasized the success of past projects, such as the tailoring program, while highlighting current challenges. She appealed for additional resources, including sewing machines, and water tanks, and expanded health facilities with maternity and pediatric units. The expansion, she noted, would benefit both the campus and the surrounding community while enhancing practical training for Health Education and Community students.

At the Kampala Campus, Dr. Kasule Twaha Ahmed, the Campus Director, outlined the institution’s history and the history of the the Kampala campus, which caters to over 4,000 students. He highlighted critical challenges, including undercapacity in medical laboratories shared by multiple departments. Dr. Kasule presented a list of laboratory needs, which H.E. Cetin assured would receive attention. The visit also provided an opportunity to share updates on the Reverse Linkage Project and submit proposals for future initiatives like the Apiary Demonstration Farm and Research Center.

These interactions reaffirm the strong partnership between IUIU and TiKA, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing education, sustainability, and innovation in Uganda. With TiKA’s pledge to support key initiatives, this collaboration is set to drive impactful development projects that benefit both the university and the communities it serves.