Ssengendo quits IUIU after 33 years

Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) yesterday appointed Prof Ismail Gyagenda as the new rector, replacing Prof Ahmad Kaweesa Ssengendo, who has served the institution  in various capacities for the last 33 years.

Prof Gyagenda, who has been the vice rector in charge of Academic Affairs at the institution since 2016, was unveiled yesterday by the University Council.

He will work with the first Deputy Prime Minister, Gen Moses Ali, who was appointed by government to replace the late Second Deputy Prime Minister, Kirunda Kivejinja, as the vice chairperson of the university council.

Kivejinja, who was among the five council members appointed by the government, succumbed to Covid-19 recently.

During the unveiling of his successor, Prof Ssengendo said he was recently appointed the new assistant secretary general of economic affairs at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), whose headquarters are in Saudi Arabia.

“I was given a new job at OIC and I will be leaving the university before the end of next month. I am happy that the University Council has already appointed my replacement, who will foster the university’s progress,” Mr Ssengendo said.

In his acceptance speech, Prof Gyagenda said he has seen the university transform over the years.
By the time he assumed office, the university had only 80 students and two faculties (Education and Islamic studies).

Currently, it boosts of a total of 10,245 students and seven faculties (Science, Arts, law, Social sciences and Management studies). Prof Gyagenda said since he has learnt a lot from the outgoing rector, he is ready to work with other staff.
He pledged transparency, accountability and team work.

“I accept this responsibility and I know what is entailed in this job description since I have served as Vice Rector for the last five years since 2016,” Prof Gyagenda said.
“I cannot say I will fit into my predecessor’s shoes but I will create my own footprints,” he added.
Prof Gyagenda will be deputised by Dr Jamil Serwanga.

Gen Moses Ali pledged to work with the newly appointed team to take the university forward.
A rector is the chief executive officer of the university, who is responsible for the direction of the academic, administrative and financial affairs of the institution in accordance with guidelines laid down by the University Council.

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