President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) to make strategic use of its newly launched Faculty of Engineering and Technology, describing it as a powerful symbol of institutional growth and a vital contributor to Uganda’s academic and industrial diversification.

The President’s message was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who officiated as Chief Guest during IUIU’s 34th Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday at the university’s main campus in Mbale.

“I challenge you to utilize this building to enhance national capacity for scientific research, innovation, and value addition,” Museveni said in a statement read by Alupo. He emphasized that “Science and technology are dreams come true for the NRM leadership because they speed up the development dreams of this country.”

Graduands Urged to Embrace Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Addressing 2,484 graduands, Vice President Alupo encouraged them to rethink traditional career paths and embrace innovation-driven opportunities. She noted that the rapidly expanding number of graduates has outpaced the government’s ability to provide public sector jobs.

“I encourage them to be innovators and creators of their own jobs,” Alupo said, describing young people as Uganda’s “greatest asset.” She advised graduates to treat their academic qualifications as a foundation for continuous learning rather than an endpoint, referring to a degree as a “sharpener” for lifelong growth.

IUIU’s Rapid Growth and Gender Milestone

IUIU Rector, Associate Professor Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, highlighted the university’s remarkable transformation over recent years, noting its rise from a modest institution to one with growing international recognition.

“IUIU has experienced remarkable growth, with total student enrollment soaring from approximately 8,000 in 2021 to over 14,457 students across its four campuses,” Prof. Gyagenda revealed.

He also celebrated progress in gender inclusion, pointing out that women made up 51 per cent of the graduating class, an achievement he described as a significant step forward in promoting equitable access to higher education.

Faith, Responsibility, and Practical Leadership

Prof. Gyagenda challenged the graduands to combine faith with practical responsibility as they transition into professional life. Quoting a prophetic saying, “Tie your camel first, then ask Allah to protect it”, he urged graduates to be disciplined leaders, responsive administrators, and ethical entrepreneurs who meet civic duties such as paying taxes.

Vice President Alupo Honoured with Doctorate

A key highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate to Vice President Jessica Alupo, recognizing her distinguished service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and her impactful leadership during her tenure as Minister of Education.

IUIU Public Relations Officer Rehema Kantono said the award also acknowledged Alupo’s strong commitment to advancing girls’ education nationwide.

“As champions in supporting the girl-child, we saw it fit to honour someone who has played such a pivotal role in the same cause,” Kantono said.

International Dignitaries Grace IUIU Graduation

The 34th graduation ceremony drew an array of high-profile local and international guests, including the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje; Ambassador Ahmed Holla, Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Dr Mohamed Saleh of the Islamic Solidarity Fund; the Emir of Rano from Nigeria; and official delegations from Turkey and Burkina Faso.

The event underscored IUIU’s growing global profile and its expanding role in shaping Uganda’s future through science, technology, and inclusive education.