The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has kicked off an ambitious initiative to raise USD 1 million aimed at helping teachers in Muslim-founded primary schools obtain degrees by 2030. The campaign aligns with the Ugandan government’s 2019 policy, which mandates all teachers to acquire a Bachelor’s degree within a ten-year grace period or risk losing their jobs.
Announced by IUIU Rector Professor Ismail Nsereko Gyagenda during the sixth annual IUIU Alumni Association dinner at Imperial Royale Hotel on February 15, 2025, the campaign is designed to safeguard the future of Muslim-founded schools.
Urgency and Call to Action
“Let us go bold and start this USD 1 million campaign to support these teachers because they don’t have the money to obtain the degrees,” Prof. Gyagenda declared. He led by example with his initial donation, urging alumni to pledge at least USD 100 annually to the cause.
The event, themed “Rekindling Bonds, Building Dreams: Unleashing Alumni Potential for a Brighter Tomorrow,” brought together alumni, faculty, and distinguished guests. Among them was Hajati Sharifa Buzeki, newly appointed Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and a proud IUIU alumna. She commended the university for its dedication to producing competent, God-fearing graduates and called on fellow alumni to actively support such initiatives. Leading by example, she contributed UGX 1 million to the cause.
Alumni Association Backs Campaign
Mousa Ssenkubuge, Executive Secretary of the IUIU Alumni Association, reaffirmed the alumni network’s commitment to empowering Muslim teachers. He also unveiled the IUIU Alumni Village project, an ambitious plan to establish a modern complex featuring a primary and secondary school, as well as a health facility.
“We intend to buy 50 acres of land for this project,” Ssenkubuge revealed, adding that 50 individuals had already pledged support. He urged others to contribute, emphasizing that initiatives like these would benefit not just the donors, but future generations.
The proposed Alumni Village is envisioned as a hub for educational excellence and community well-being, ensuring quality education and healthcare services for alumni families and the broader community.
With the $1 million campaign gaining momentum, IUIU alumni are now faced with a critical moment to rally behind their alma mater and secure the future of Muslim-founded education in Uganda.
