Ugandan business mogul Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Uganda’s Ambassador to Turkey, Nusurah Tiperu, on Wednesday inspected the newly constructed Faculty of Engineering at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in Arua, marking a significant milestone for higher education in the West Nile region.
The state-of-the-art facility, constructed by Vcon Construction, a subsidiary of the Ruparelia Group, was officially unveiled ahead of its opening for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The new faculty is equipped with modern laboratories, lecture halls, technical workshops, and a 500-bed hostel to support engineering students from across Uganda.
Sudhir: Education Is Key to National Transformation
Dr. Ruparelia, who was accompanied by his wife Jyotsna and daughter Sheena, described the project as a game-changer for regional development. “This facility will empower future engineers and bridge the development gap in Northern Uganda,” the billionaire businessman said. “Education is the most powerful driver of national transformation. We are proud to be part of this.”
The project, executed within two years, demonstrates Vcon’s growing footprint in delivering large-scale academic infrastructure.
On her part, Ambassador Nusurah Tiperu lauded the partnership between the Government of Uganda and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which financed the $13.5 million project through a concessional loan. “This engineering faculty is a beacon of equity, bringing science and innovation closer to regions that have historically been underserved,” Tiperu said.
She also praised IUIU for fostering inclusion through its #BridgingCommunities initiative, which seeks to expand access to quality education in remote regions.
A Boost for West Nile and Uganda’s Engineering Sector
The IUIU Faculty of Engineering becomes the university’s ninth faculty and will offer undergraduate programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, addressing the rising national demand for technical professionals.
IUIU’s Rector, Dr. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, hailed the facility as “a game-changer” that will save West Nile students the burden of relocating to Kampala or Mbale for engineering degrees.
“This is more than a faculty, it’s an engine for innovation, job creation, and economic transformation in West Nile,” Dr. Gyagenda said.
Meanwhile, we understand that admissions for the new programs are expected to begin in 2026, with the faculty projected to attract students from across Uganda and neighboring countries. The facility is also anticipated to catalyze further investment in infrastructure and skilled labor in the region.