The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing scientific research, technological innovation and international academic cooperation following a high-level engagement with the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH).
The University hosted a distinguished delegation led by H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The delegation was received by the Rector of IUIU, Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, alongside members of the University leadership.
The visit provided an important platform for strengthening the longstanding relationship between IUIU and COMSTECH, with discussions centred on expanding institutional cooperation, building research capacity, promoting scientific innovation and advancing sustainable development initiatives across Uganda and the wider African region.
A major focus of the bilateral discussions was the development and standardisation of Uganda's Halal Ecosystem, an emerging area of strategic importance for scientific research, industrial development, quality assurance and international trade.
The two institutions explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in Halal research, professional training, certification systems, laboratory testing and the development of internationally recognised quality assurance standards.
Through these initiatives, IUIU and COMSTECH seek to contribute to the establishment of a more robust and competitive Halal industry in Uganda, supported by scientific expertise, institutional capacity and internationally aligned practices.
The proposed areas of cooperation also reflect the growing importance of universities as centres of applied research and innovation, capable of connecting academic knowledge with industry needs and national development priorities.
The engagement further underscored IUIU's growing contribution to regional academic leadership and international higher education cooperation.
In 2022, Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda was appointed by COMSTECH to lead the Consortium of Rectors of Muslim Universities in Africa, a collaborative platform aimed at strengthening relationships among higher education institutions across the continent.
During the discussions, Prof. Gyagenda reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the consortium's objectives, particularly in fostering institutional partnerships, collaborative research, academic mobility and capacity building.
The consortium provides a platform for participating universities to share expertise, pursue joint research initiatives, facilitate faculty and student exchanges, and explore scholarship opportunities that enhance educational quality and research productivity.
IUIU's involvement in this continental initiative reflects its commitment to promoting academic integration, knowledge exchange and stronger cooperation among African universities.
Beyond Halal development and academic networking, the discussions highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation.
Both institutions recognised the potential for strengthening research partnerships, professional development programmes and institutional capacity-building initiatives that respond to emerging development challenges.
The engagement also reinforced the value of connecting higher education institutions with international scientific networks to promote innovation, knowledge transfer and research-driven solutions.
Through its relationship with COMSTECH, IUIU seeks to broaden opportunities for researchers, academic staff and students to participate in collaborative scientific programmes and benefit from international expertise.
Speaking during the engagement, Prof. Gyagenda expressed his appreciation to Prof. Choudhary and COMSTECH for their continued support towards IUIU's institutional development and strategic vision.
He acknowledged the significance of the partnership in strengthening the University's research capacity, expanding international engagement and creating opportunities for academic and scientific advancement.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to harnessing science, technology, innovation and higher education as instruments for sustainable development, institutional transformation and socioeconomic progress across Africa and member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The visit represents another important step in IUIU's efforts to strengthen strategic international partnerships and enhance its contribution to research, innovation and quality higher education.
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