The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) on Saturday graduated 2,484 students at its 34th graduation ceremony in Mbale.
Families, diplomats, religious leaders and government officials filled the university’s main campus as graduands received certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Women made up 51 per cent of the graduating class, continuing a trend that shows more young women accessing higher education. The ceremony was presided over by Vice President Jessica Alupo. She urged the graduates to see their education as a responsibility to serve others, not just a personal achievement.
“Graduation is not just about personal success. It is about service to your communities and the nation,” Alupo told the graduands, encouraging them to use their skills to solve real problems around them.
Alupo was honoured with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree – with the university recognising her long record of public service, military career and consistent support for education, especially for girls.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye and chairperson of IUIU’s Estates, Planning and Development Committee, Nusura Tiperu, said Alupo’s recognition was well deserved.
“She represents disciplined leadership and service to country. As a respected military officer and national leader, she has consistently promoted education and the uplifting of the girl-child,” Tiperu said.
She added that honouring such leaders sends a clear message to young people about the values that matter. Prof Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, rector of the university, noted that student enrolment has risen from about 8,000 to more than 14,457 students across IUIU’s campuses.
“We now graduate more than 2,400 students every year, and our alumni community has grown to over 50,000,” Gyagenda said.
He said the university currently runs 96 fully accredited academic programmes, with 17 more being considered for approval. Despite economic pressures and the effects of Covid-19, he noted that IUIU has remained financially stable and continues to invest in new projects.
Recent developments include new engineering block, academic buildings, improved libraries and student hostels, as well as plans for projects in agriculture, health and research.
The university has also benefited from international partnerships, including support from countries such as Nigeria and Egypt, which have seconded academic staff to IUIU.
Representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Aftab Ahmed Khokher praised Uganda’s stability and said it has allowed the university to grow even during difficult global times.
He added that the organisation remains committed to supporting IUIU. As the ceremony came to a close, the focus returned to the graduands, many of whom posed for photos with family and friends, marking the end of one chapter and the start of another.
For IUIU, the day was both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of its mission to produce graduates who combine learning with service.
About the Author
