News and Events

IUIU Mourns the Passing of the Father Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

• 12th July, 2026 2:35pm

The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) wishes to express its deepest condolences to the government, the royal family, and the people of the State of Qatar following the passing of the Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 74.

In an official statement issued today, the IUIU fraternity described the late Father Emir as an "extraordinary global statesman and a visionary architect of modern development whose impact crossed continents."

During his transformative tenure, Sheikh Hamad championed landmark economic and constitutional reforms, introduced progressive municipal elections that empowered women, and established world-class institutions—including the launch of the Al Jazeera Media Network—that forever changed the landscape of global communication. His foresight in developing Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector laid the foundation for a prosperous nation that has continuously extended its hand in friendship, diplomacy, and philanthropy to the global Muslim community and developing nations, including Uganda.

The Rector of IUIU, on behalf of the University Council, Senate, staff, and student body, extended solidarity to his successor, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, noting that the Muslim Ummah has lost a giant pillar of progress.

"We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Qatar during this dark hour," the statement read. "Sheikh Hamad’s dedication to human development, education, and international partnerships leaves behind a legacy that universities and societies worldwide will study and honor for generations."

The university community joins millions around the world in praying that Almighty Allah (SWT) blankets the late Father Emir in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings, and grants him the highest reward in Paradise.

“O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter among My [righteous] servants, and enter My Paradise.” (Al-Fajr: 27-30)