UMSC and IUEA Strengthen Educational Partnership
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kansanga, Kampala, following an invitation from the university’s management on July 15th 2026
The Mufti was accompanied by senior Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) officials, including His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti; Hon. Counsel Haji Muhammad Ali Aluma, Deputy Secretary General for Finance and Administration; Sheikh Juma Bakhit Cucu, Education Secretary; and Sheikh Ismail Wandeeba, Principal Secretary to the Mufti.
The delegation was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa, before proceeding to the university boardroom, where they met members of the university management, senior staff and student leaders. They were later joined by the Resident Director, Ambassador Hassan Alwi.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Akaezuwa described IUEA as Africa’s “technological university of choice,” committed to providing quality education that combines academic excellence with practical skills to prepare graduates for the modern world.
He highlighted the university’s rich cultural diversity, noting that its students and academic staff come from different countries, ethnicities and cultures, creating a truly international learning environment.
The Vice Chancellor also outlined the university’s wide range of academic programmes, including engineering, petroleum studies, mining, motor vehicle manufacturing and electric motorcycle technology, among other disciplines. He further highlighted IUEA’s partnerships with reputable international institutions that continue to strengthen its academic and research profile.
In his remarks, the Mufti thanked the university management for the invitation, noting that although he had long wished to visit the institution, previous commitments had prevented him from doing so.
He amused the audience when he recalled visiting the site years ago with his family, when it was home to the former Didi’s World amusement park.
“I am delighted to return and find that what was once a place of recreation has become a centre of knowledge shaping the future of young people,” the Mufti remarked.
He commended the university for offering programmes that are critical to Uganda’s and Africa’s socio-economic transformation, particularly in science, engineering and technology.
The Mufti also shared a personal connection with the institution and engineering education, revealing that one of his daughters, Takiya Shaban, graduated as an engineer, while another is currently pursuing the same course.
He praised the university’s multicultural environment, describing diversity as a blessing from Allah. Quoting the Holy Qur’an, he reminded the audience that humanity was created into different nations and tribes so that people may know and appreciate one another.
The Mufti thanked the university for the scholarships it has extended to UMSC and pledged to strengthen the existing partnership between the two institutions.
Earlier, the Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, shared the profile and leadership journey of the Mufti of Uganda, while Hon. Counsel Muhammad Ali Aluma gave an overview of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, highlighting the institution’s transformation and achievements over the past 25 years under the Mufti’s leadership.
During the visit, the Mufti presented the Vice Chancellor and the Resident Director with souvenir gifts bearing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council logo as a token of appreciation.
The delegation later toured the university’s facilities, which sit on approximately 20 acres of land. They visited lecture halls, laboratories and the university library, where they interacted with lecturers and students.
The visit concluded with a luncheon hosted by the university management in honour of the Mufti and his delegation. The university also presented commemorative gifts to the Mufti before the two delegations held a group photo session to mark the occasion.