Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia is mostly known as a property magnate, but years of undertaking massive construction projects make him the man to go for big projects under his Vcon Construction.
Last week, Vcon officially handed over the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU)’s newly completed Faculty of Engineering and Technology, along with a 500-bed student hostel. The project was financed through a $13.5 million Islamic Development Bank loan guaranteed by the Ugandan government.
Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, the Rector of IUIU, noted that the ninth faculty will contribute to introducing professional programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
He noted that the facility was completed in under two years through collaboration with Symbion Consulting Group and added that accreditation processes are underway, with the first intake of engineering students expected by August 2026.
Dr. Gyagenda also emphasized IUIU’s vision to become a leading centre for scientific and technological innovation in the region drawing students from over 25 countries, and continues to affirm its commitment to quality education and research.
Dr Sudhir Ruparelia the Chairman of Vcon Construction, noted that the project will enhance educational infrastructure in Eastern Uganda.
“I’m also in education so I have a special soft spot for education facilities. This is a good addition to Eastern Uganda. It will add value to Eastern Uganda and attract more and more students to the university,” he said.
Ambassador Nusura Tiperu the representative of Uganda to Turkiye highlighted the government’s strategic shift towards “ATMs”: Agriculture, Technology & Innovation, and Mining.
“Commissioning this Engineering and Technology block fulfils one of the government’s priorities,” she said, noting state of the art classrooms and labs being fitted before official commissioning by the President.
