Hundreds of staff at the Islamic University in Uganda converged at the Mbale main campus on Friday to mark International Workers’ Day, with celebrations characterized by awards, sports and renewed calls for stronger partnerships and staff welfare.
The event brought together academic and non-academic staff from different campuses, featuring recognition of outstanding employees as well as recreational activities including football, netball and volleyball.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Jamil Sserwanga, the university rector, Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, commended staff for their dedication and contribution to the institution’s growth.
The rector expressed appreciation for the commitment, professionalism and sacrifice demonstrated by staff.
Your efforts are the foundation upon which the university continues to grow, thrive and excel. The message read.
He revealed that the university will host a Zimbabwean delegation on May 6, 2026, after the National Council for Higher Education sent them to benchmark IUIU’s performance in higher education delivery.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector for Finance, Kazibwe Mpata, called for collective responsibility in addressing the university’s financial constraints.
He noted that unlike profit-driven institutions, IUIU reinvests its resources into staff, infrastructure and academic programmes, leaving little surplus for expansion.
We must not only demand but also offer solutions. The university depends on what it generates, and we need innovative ways to grow our resource base. He said.
Dr. Mpata also pointed to untapped opportunities, such as university-owned land in Kampala and other areas, which the institution could develop through partnerships to generate additional income.