The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has officially opened the 6th International Islamic Universities Conference (IIUC), bringing together leading scholars and researchers from across the Islamic academic world for three days of dialogue and collaboration.
The conference, which runs from August 4 to 6, is being held under the theme โIntegration of Knowledge Synthesis Across Disciplines: A Holistic Transdisciplinary Framework.โ It is jointly organized by IUIU and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).
IUIU Rector Prof. Ismail Ssimbwa Gyagenda opened the conference and thanked the guests for accepting the universityโs invitation. He acknowledged the support of the IIIT and emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in addressing global challenges.
โWe are grateful to the International Institute of Islamic Thought for initiating and consistently supporting this important program,โ Prof. Gyagenda said. โCollaboration in research is key, and we look forward to fruitful deliberations throughout the conference.โ
The IIUC provides a platform for scholars from over six Islamic universities to engage in critical discussions on research integration and transdisciplinary knowledge frameworks that uphold Islamic values.
In his welcoming address, Dr. Jamilu Serwanga, IUIUโs Vice Rector for Academics, said the theme resonates with the universityโs mission to be a โleading Centre of Excellence for Social Development.โ
โOur aim is to create knowledge grounded in Islamic principles. This conference is a powerful opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Ummah through meaningful academic exchange,โ he noted.
Dr. Mayimuna Nimulola, IUIUโs Director of Research and Innovation, traced the history of the IIUC series, noting that it was initiated by the IIIT to serve as a platform for Muslim academics to explore contemporary issues in Islamic knowledge and education.
She highlighted previous conferences, including:
- 2014: Islamic Epistemology and Curriculum Development โ Muslim University of Morogoro
- 2016: Holistic Youth Personality Development (Tarbiyyah) in Higher Education โ Islamic University in Uganda
- 2019: Integrating Islamic Studies with Essential Social and Technical Competences โ Sumait University, Zanzibar
- 2021: Integration of Knowledge: The Way Forward โ Umma University, Kenya
- 2023: Major Trends in Islamic Intellectual Thought โ Muslim University of Morogoro, Tanzania
Bro. Abdul Hamid Slatch, IIIT East Africa Regional Coordinator, applauded IUIU for its โwonderful organizationโ and thanked all participating universities for their continued support.
The conference is expected to forge new academic partnerships, enhance research collaboration, and shape the future of Islamic higher education globally.
