The 4th Graduation Ceremony of Al-Mustafa Islamic College in Kyengera, Wakiso district, was a momentous event marked by esteemed guests and significant achievements.
Members of the diplomatic Corps, Ministers, Members of Parliament, academicians, religious leaders, and opinion leaders convened to witness the academic milestone on the theme of “Enhancing Employability among the youth through Vocational Skilling.”
Gracing the ceremony were notable figures including Hojatul-Islam Syed Hamid Jazayeri, Vice president of Education at Al-Mustafa International University, Iran; the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without portfolio of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Hajjat Rukia Isanga Nakadama; Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, the Vice Chancellor of Kampala University; and Dr. John Mutekanga Ssalongo, Assistant Commissioner from the Ministry of Education, H.E. Abdollah Abbasi, the Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Tamouh Moustafa, the Syrian honorary consul, the Ambassador of Libya, H.E. Fatima Fernandes, the Ambassador of Venezuela, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, media partners among other guests.
The event commenced with anthems and recitations from the Holy Quran, setting a reverent tone for the day. Graduates, adorned in traditional academic regalia, marched in procession, symbolizing their transition from students to learned members of society. The air was filled with a sense of accomplishment and the bright promise of the future.
In his address, Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani, the Principal of Al-Mustafa Islamic College, emphasized, “Al-Mustafa Islamic College is a non-profit academic institution established in 2011 providing an enabling environment for students to achieve competency, creativity, and confidence for a brighter future. Al-Mustafa is licensed by the National Council for Higher Education.
“Al-Mustafa Islamic College is a beacon of knowledge and faith, proudly announcing its 4th graduation ceremony, a momentous occasion celebrating its students’ academic achievements and spiritual journey. This year’s ceremony is not just a testament to the hard work and dedication of the graduates but also a reflection of the College’s commitment to providing high-value training and education,” Dr. Rouhollah said.
“I call upon stakeholders to support the university in realizing its growth and innovation through systematic ideas. The university has five faculties; the faculty of Business management, Education, Islamic studies, science and Technology, and Vocational studies of more than 20 courses,” he added.
Prof. Hyderi Abidi, the Chairman Governing Council, welcomed distinguished guests and congratulated graduands for their academic achievements, stating, “The university is focused on creating research and has graduated 200 students in Education, Business studies, Science and Technology fields, including international students from East African countries, regardless of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I commend the principal for the tremendous effort of producing academic giants and future citizenry leaders. We are committed to working with other institutions in terms of partnerships and academic cooperations to increase research and generation of new knowledge in the industrial revolution. I challenge graduates to continue to other levels of interest to fit in the contemporary world,” Prof. Hyderi said.
Dr. John Mutekanga Ssalongo, the Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Education and Sports, delivered greetings from the cabinet minister of education and the first lady. He commended, “the National Council for Higher Education for the accreditation of Al-Mustafa Islamic College and congratulated stakeholders upon having permanent premises for the college in Kyengera.”
“I stress the need for vocational skills since Uganda is predominantly an agricultural country. As the Ministry of Education, we’re facing a shortage of Arabic teachers, which must be addressed. I appreciate the Islamic values that Muslims have and highlight the Iranian Ambassador’s remarks on those engaged in genocide for not having values, as all religious faiths don’t support such acts against humanity,” he added.
H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran noted that it’s time to recognize students who have shown imperialists that injustices cannot prevail in a civilised society and therefore, implored graduands to live with others peacefully and always stand to defend the oppressed in the community.
“In today’s celebration, we honor your hard work, perseverance, and the bonds formed at this college in Uganda. Iran boasts a rich history of scientific and technological innovation, and this college, rooted in that tradition, has provided you with a high-quality education. Here in Uganda, you’ve experienced the blending of two cultures, enriching your academic journey,” Amb. Majid said.
He thanked the government of Uganda for the good working relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Uganda and also establishing peace in the country and allowing religious freedom of expression where every religious entity is free to express their doctrines and values.
“As esteemed graduates, you’ve made a significant journey, acquiring an education that combines Iranian and Ugandan traditions. You’re now uniquely positioned to bring new perspectives to your communities and bridge cultures, he said adding; In the spirit of unity, let’s acknowledge recent protests by American students against the Zionist Regime’s brutality against Palestinians. Like them, you bear the responsibility to advocate for peace and dialogue. In the words of our late Great Supreme leader Imam Khomeini, We share the sorrow of all oppressed people, and oppressed people should rise against the arrogant.’ Congratulations, esteemed graduates, and may your journey be marked by purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to a better tomorrow,” he added.
Rt. Hon. Hajjat Rukia Isanga Nakadama commended the graduates and urged stakeholders to embrace new technologies for development, particularly in fields such as oil and gas.
She emphasized the government’s support for education and called for continued growth and innovation at Al-Mustafa Islamic College and implored stakeholders to embrace the latest new technologies in the market to facilitate development especially oil and Gas fields.
Hojatul-Islam Syed Hamid Jazayeri Vice president of Education at Al-Mustafa International University, Iran congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of spiritual civilization in preventing atrocities against humanity.
He noted about the tragedy of Gaza genocide that has awakened nations and implored that the world today needs spiritual civilization to avoid such kind of brutality against humanity. He rallied students to always participate in the development of their nations through acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills that shape the status co of the society.
The graduation ceremony marked not only the culmination of the students’ educational journey but also a new beginning as they venture into the world equipped with knowledge, skills, and a sense of ethical responsibility. Al-Mustafa Islamic College’s holistic approach to education ensures that its graduates are academically proficient and morally grounded, ready to make positive contributions to society.
