By Aaron Okotel
KAMPALA
Kampala, Uganda – The Rector of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Professor Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, has revealed that the University is venturing into investments outside tuition to bolster its financial stability and ultimately improve staff welfare.
He made the revelations during the annual Labour Day celebrations held on May 1st at the IUIU Kampala Campus in Kibuli, where he expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering dedication and resilience of the university’s staff, particularly in the face of ongoing financial constraints.
Professor Gyagenda acknowledged the significant challenge of not being able to compensate employees according to their worth.
Despite this hurdle, the Rector offered a beacon of hope, outlining the university’s proactive steps to bolster its financial stability and ultimately improve staff welfare. He highlighted the strategic development of endowments as a crucial avenue for increasing the university’s income streams.
“Our employees at IUIU are well aware of our diligent efforts to secure these endowments,” Professor Gyagenda stated, referencing the King Fahad Plaza, a significant asset generously donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He further revealed plans for another substantial endowment in Nsambya, Kampala, emphasizing the potential of these initiatives to “supplement the salary incomes for our employees.”
In a bid to further empower the staff, Professor Gyagenda passionately encouraged greater participation in the university’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO).
He noted the impressive monthly savings of 35 million shillings within the SACCO, which provides crucial financial support to members for various needs, including tuition fees and land acquisition. “That spirit of saving, we encourage it very much,” he affirmed.
The Labour Day event served as a vibrant platform for appreciation, bringing together thousands of IUIU staff and their families from all four campuses: the main campus in Mbale, the Kabojja Girls’ Campus, the Arua Campus, and the host Kampala Campus in Kibuli. The day was filled with joyous celebrations and camaraderie, culminating in an inter-campus football tournament where the host campus emerged victorious.
Professor Gyagenda underscored the significance of Labour Day, recognizing it as an essential occasion to honor the employees who have steadfastly supported the university throughout its 38-year history.
Looking beyond the university’s internal affairs, the Rector also made a strong appeal to the Ugandan government to prioritize the creation of a safe and conducive environment for all employees across the nation. He emphasized that such measures are vital for fostering economic development and ensuring the well-being of the country’s workforce.
