The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) celebrated the graduation of its pioneer Sheikhs and imams under a mature program that commenced in 2022 held at Ttamu Muslim Secondary School in Mityana District.
The event, which took place on Monday, January 22, 2024, marked a significant step forward in the pursuit of academic excellence and the deepening of Islamic knowledge.
The ceremony was graced by the Rector of IUIU represented by the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs at IUIU, Dr. Jamil Serwanga.
The mature program, designed for Sheikhs and imams to extend their studies, as well as for others to understand the Islamic faith more, saw a total of 28 students receive their well-deserved certificates.
Among the graduates, 27 were male, and 1 female scholar emerged as the only woman among the cohort. Among these, 11 graduands received Thanawi certificate while 17 graduands got Idaad certificates.
Dr. Abdul Hafiz Walusimbi, a lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language at IUIU, urged the graduands to be role models in the communities they will serve through dressing appropriately, speaking, and watching the company they keep.
The Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Dr Hassan Kiyingi emphasized the need for the university to move closer to the people to fulfill its objectives and goals of educating and changing communities.
‘’The university is in the process of bringing more of such services to the community. We have met Muslim district leaders in other areas and soon we shall have centers in the areas of Budaka, Palisa, Kibuku, Butaleja Sironko, and many others to encourage the Muslims in their areas to take up these courses.’’
Dr Kiyingi warned the graduands against being judges of others but rather seek solutions to challenges in their faith.
The Vice Rector in charge of Academic Affairs at IUIU, Dr. Jamil Serwanga highlighted the position of IUIU in the development of the Muslim Ummah and the world at large emphasizing the functions of the university including teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
Dr Jamil urged the graduands to manage society, serve, and adjust themselves appropriately to the changing environment.
He also called upon the graduands to be role models and support the development of their communities and reiterated IUIU’s commitment to continue with the program in community service as one of the core values of the university.
