By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) to utilize its new Faculty of Engineering and Technology as a “testimony of growth” and a crucial pillar in diversifying the nation’s academic landscape.
The President’s message was delivered by Vice President Major General (Rtd) while representing the President as Chief Guest at IUIU’s 34th Graduation Ceremony at the university’s Main Campus in Mbale on Saturday, 20th December, 2025.
“I challenge you to utilize this building to enhance national capacity for scientific research, innovation, and value addition,” the President’s statement read. “Science and technology are dreams come true for the NRM leadership because they speed up the development dreams of this country.”
Vice President Alupo addressed 2,484 graduands, urging them to shift their focus from seeking employment to becoming innovators.
Acknowledging the competitive nature of the modern labor market, Alupo emphasized that government positions alone cannot absorb the rising number of graduates.
“I encourage them to be innovators and creators of their own jobs,” Alupo noted. She described the youth as the nation’s “greatest asset” and advised them to view their degrees as a “sharpener” for lifelong learning rather than a final destination.
The Rector of IUIU, Associate Professor Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, highlighted the university’s rapid transformation from a small college into a global academic powerhouse.
“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 announced.
Of the 2,484 students who graduated on Saturday, 51% were female—a statistic the Rector praised as a significant victory for inclusive education.
Prof. Gyagenda urged them to pair faith with proactive effort. Invoking the prophetic tradition—”Tie your camel first, then ask Allah to protect it”—he challenged the group to be “administrators who actually respond to emails” and entrepreneurs who do not flee from tax obligations.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate upon Vice President Jessica Alupo. The university honored her for her distinguished service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and her transformative tenure as a former Minister of Education.
Rehema Kantono, the University’s Public Relations Officer, stated that Alupo’s advocacy for girl-child education was a deciding factor for the award.
“As champions in supporting the girl-child, we saw it fit to honor someone who has played such a pivotal role in the same cause,” Kantono explained.
The 34th ceremony drew a high-profile distinguish guests including Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje, Mufti of Uganda, Ambassador Ahmed Holla, Assistant Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Mohamed Saleh of the Islamic Solidarity Fund, The Emir of Rano (Nigeria),Delegations from Turkey and Burkina Faso.
