The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has officially received a massive upgrade to its infrastructure with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art engineering faculty and a 500-bed student hostel—both constructed by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia’s Vcon Construction.
Sudhir, widely known as Uganda’s property mogul, continues to stamp his mark in the education sector, leveraging years of experience in high-profile construction to deliver one of Eastern Uganda’s most significant academic infrastructure projects to date.
Financed through a $13.5 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank—guaranteed by the Ugandan government—the new facility is home to IUIU’s ninth faculty, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, designed to support new programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
Speaking at the handover, IUIU Rector Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda described the new complex as a milestone that brings IUIU closer to becoming a regional hub for science and technology.
“We are on track to admit our first cohort of engineering students by August 2026,” said Dr. Gyagenda, adding that accreditation processes are ongoing and that the university is targeting students from over 25 countries.
Constructed in collaboration with Symbion Consulting Group, the facility was completed in under two years—a timeline that reflects both efficiency and purpose.
Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of Vcon Construction and a long-time investor in education himself, highlighted the strategic value of the project:
“I have a soft spot for education. This is a good addition to Eastern Uganda—it’s going to raise the profile of IUIU and attract students from across the region,” he said.
Also present was Ambassador Nusura Tiperu, Uganda’s representative to Türkiye, who framed the new development within the government’s current focus on “ATMs” – Agriculture, Technology & Innovation, and Mining.
“This Engineering and Technology block directly aligns with the government’s priorities,” she said, noting that the complex features cutting-edge classrooms and labs expected to be commissioned by the President himself.
With this latest development, IUIU isn’t just expanding in size—it’s positioning itself at the forefront of East Africa’s next wave of engineering education and innovation.
