IUIU Strengthens Global Ties with Thailand’s MSU: A Week of Culture, Learning, and Collaboration
The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) hosted a delegation from Mahasarakham University (MSU), Thailand, from June 15 to 20, 2025, on a visit that blended cultural discovery with deepened academic partnership.
The visit was initiated and coordinated by Mr. Saim Çelik, Coordinator of the Centre for Capacity Development (CCD) at IUIU, and implemented through the University Coordinator’s Office, headed by Mr. Siragi Mukwana and his Deputy, Mr. Nasib Yusuf. This collaborative effort marked a significant step in strengthening the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IUIU and MSU, facilitating meaningful academic exchange, enhancing student experiences, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The MSU team arrived at Entebbe International Airport on June 15th, where they were received by IUIU representatives and two IUIU students, Tino Fatuma and Mukuye Nabil, who are set to attend the upcoming MSU international camp in Thailand.
The delegates toured university facilities at the IUIU Main Campus in Mbale, including the Faculty of Engineering, and held an engaging session with the Vice Rector (Academic Affairs), staff, and students, sharing academic goals and future collaboration.
The delegation also visited the IUIU Kampala Campus, where they met with the campus director, administrators, and students. They also connected with the Thai community in Uganda and explored local African art and crafts markets.
During their visit, Professor Anyarat from MSU expressed gratitude for IUIU’s hospitality and reaffirmed MSU’s commitment to collaborative academic and cultural exchange. She confirmed that two IUIU students had qualified for the upcoming international camp at MSU (August 31st – September 10th, 2025), highlighting the fruits of the existing MoU.
The Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing IUIU’s eagerness to broaden its global footprint through staff exchanges, joint research, and expanded student mobility.
During their stay, the guests experienced Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness through visits to various sites, including Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa and a trek up Wanale Hill, Bukedea Cattle Market, the largest in East Africa, and the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), one of Uganda’s major coffee processors. Finishing off with a boat ride at the source of the Nile.
The MSU delegation peacefully departed Uganda on June 20th, leaving behind a strengthened partnership and renewed commitment to long-term collaboration.
The success of the visit is a testament to the power of strategic coordination led by the CCD under Mr. Saim Çelik and effective implementation by the Office of the University Coordinator, under the leadership of Mr. Siragi Mukwana and Mr. Nasib Yusuf.
