News and Events

IUIU Launches Leather Tailoring Project with TIKA Support at Kampala Campus

• 20th March, 2025 3:21pm

Kampala, 19th March 2025 – The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) officially launched a Leather Tailoring Project at its Kampala Campus, a transformative initiative supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). The project aims to provide hands-on training in leather craftsmanship, equipping students and community members with practical skills to enhance employment opportunities and entrepreneurship.

The event was attended by Ms. Gökçe Esma Erçıktı, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Uganda, who represented the Ambassador. She was accompanied by the Defence Attaché and the Attaché for Internal Affairs, highlighting the strong collaboration between IUIU and Türkiye in vocational education and skills development.

Also in attendance was the Turkish Airlines Country Director, alongside representatives from the Turkish business community and Turkish NGOs in Uganda, underscoring the growing engagement of Türkiye’s private sector and development organizations in skills enhancement programs.

Dr. Twaha Kasule, Director of IUIU Kampala Campus, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of skill-based education in today’s job market. He highlighted how the Leather Tailoring Project aligns with IUIU’s mission to empower students with practical knowledge that complements their academic studies.

Mr. Murat Çetin, TIKA Country Coordinator, reaffirmed TIKA’s commitment to supporting educational and vocational initiatives in Uganda. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, Rector of IUIU, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, noting that this project will significantly contribute to the economic empowerment of young people by enhancing their craftsmanship and business acumen.

Mr. Saim Çelik, Coordinator of the Centre for Capacity Development (CCD), provided a detailed presentation on the project’s objectives, showcasing the newly installed leather tailoring machinery and the structured training program. The delegation later engaged directly with the trainers, discussing the project’s implementation and potential future improvements.

The event concluded with a training facility tour, where guests observed leather crafting demonstrations and explored the new equipment's capabilities.

IUIU remains committed to fostering industry-relevant education and strengthening international partnerships to support skill development and economic growth in Uganda.