Kirunda Kivejjinja – Only Muslim graduate in 1962 when Uganda got independence

By the time Uganda got her independence in 1962, Kirunda Kivejinja was one of the only two Muslim graduates in the whole country. At the recent graduation of Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kivejinja was awarded with a honorary doctorate of laws (honoris causa) of IUIU.

Who is Kirunda Kivejjinja

Born on 12 June 1935 in Buseesa, Iganga, Hon. Ally Kirunda Kivejinja went to Kibuli Junior School and Busoga College Mwiri for his primary and secondary education.

He later took a pre-university course at Madras Christian Collage before obtaining a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Zoology at Delhi University on a Government of India scholarship.

While in India he was treasurer of the African Students Association which had among its members Bingu wa Mutharika (former Malawian President), John Malecela (former Prime Minister of Tanzania, 1990-1994) and John Mataure of Zimbabwe.

The association also had Hon. Kintu Musoke (former Ugandan Prime Minister) and Hon. Jaberi Bidandi Sali.

Upon his return from India, he took political mobilization as his fulltime and lifetime occupation, a commitment he has kept up to date.

K.K as referred to by some people is currently a senior advisor to the President of the Republic of Uganda; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

He has variously served as the Minister for Rehabilitation, Transport and Communications, Information, State for Foreign Affairs, Minister without Portfolio, Minister in-charge of the Presidency, Internal Affairs and 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda.

He also served as Deputy National Political Commissar/Director of Foreign Affairs.

In 1979, he was elected as member of the National Consultative Council (NCC), representing Iganga District to a mini Parliament that came in place after the fall of President Idi Amin.

He is a founder member and Treasurer of the Uganda Patriotic Movement, UPM, founder member of the National Resistance Movement and SAPOBA, then the biggest printing press in the country.

Besides politics, Kivejinja has participated in promoting education by opening up schools and promoting education for all.

By the time Uganda got her independence in 1962, Kivejinja and the late Abubakar Kakyama Mayanja were the only two Muslim graduates in the whole of Uganda.

He has been a member of the University Council  (Islamic University in Uganda) since its inception in 1988 serving in the capacity of Vice Chairman.

He is also the Chairman of the appointments as well as the Estates, Planning and Development committees of the council.

He served as acting Rector of Islamic University in Uganda from December, 1993 to August 1994.

In his capacity as member of the University council, Hon. Kivejjinja has championed and supervised many development programmes during the 26 years of the university’s existence and offered wise counsel and direction to its administration over the years.