IUIU honours outstanding students at 34th graduation

MBALE - The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has Saturday recognized a cohort of exceptional students for outstanding academic performance, discipline, and innovation during its 34th graduation ceremony, with several prestigious awards presented across disciplines.

According to Rehama Kantono of IUIU, the awards reflect the university’s continued commitment to academic excellence, moral uprightness, and innovation in higher education.

The coveted Prince Badru Kakungulu Award for Overall Best Student was presented to Ssebunnya Shafie, a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition graduate.

Ssebunnya emerged top of the graduating class with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.44 and an overall score of 95.75 percent, earning praise for both academic brilliance and exemplary discipline.

Gradunds arrive for the Islamic University in Uganda’s (IUIU) 34th graduation ceremony in Mbale City. (All Photos by Leonard Mukooli)

In business studies, the ACCA Award for Excellence in Business Studies went to Nansubuga Jamirah, a Bachelor of Business Studies graduate, who posted a remarkable CGPA of 4.80 and an overall score of 83.04 per cent.

The Sheikh Abdallah Makki Sadiq Awards, which recognize excellence in mathematics and Islamic Studies, were also handed out to outstanding female students.

Auma Asiya, a Bachelor of Education (External) graduate, received the award for Best Female Student in Mathematics after attaining a CGPA of 3.96 and a score of 70.3 per cent.

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano in Nigeria, has also graced the 34th graduation ceremony of Islamic University in Uganda’s (IUIU) in Mbale City.

Meanwhile, Nabakhwana Hafuswa, a Bachelor of Arts in Education graduate, was named Best Female Student in Islamic Studies, having achieved an impressive CGPA of 4.67 and a score of 92.04 per cent.

The IICO Award for Best Muslim Female Student was awarded to Nabirye Aisha, a Bachelor of Arts in Education graduate, who recorded a CGPA of 4.55 and an overall score of 87.18 percent.

Innovation took center stage with the Rector’s Award for Innovation and Academic Excellence, which was presented to Waako Shadidu Ismail, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate.

Waako was recognised for developing the IUIU Prospective Student Assistant Chatbot, an innovation that attracted admiration across the university. He graduated with a CGPA of 4.82 and an overall score of 95.18 per cent.

Students and their parents arrive for the ceremony.

The Alumni Award for Best in Economics and Entrepreneurship was won by Kaye Ukasha, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate, who attained a CGPA of 4.67 and a score of 81.14 percent.

In the legal field, Habiba Amin, a Bachelor of Laws graduate, received the Alumni Award for Best Law Student after posting a CGPA of 4.50 and an overall score of 90.36 percent.

University officials said the awards underscore IUIU’s holistic approach to education, which blends academic rigor, ethical values and innovation, as the institution continues to position itself as a leading center of excellence in the region.