By Spy Uganda
In a transformative step for higher education and infrastructure in Eastern Uganda, VCon Construction Ltd., a civil engineering firm under the Ruparelia Group, has officially handed over the newly completed Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
The project also includes a state-of-the-art 500-bed student hostel and is valued at $9.1 million (approx. UGX 34 billion), part of a broader $13.5 million investment financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) with support from the Government of Uganda.
The handover ceremony, held at IUIU’s Mbale Main Campus, was marked by optimism and praise, with both university leadership and government representatives lauding the project’s significance to regional and national development.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group and principal behind VCon Construction, expressed deep appreciation to IUIU for entrusting his firm with the ambitious project.
“When we came here in 2023, this place was just a bush,” Sudhir recounted. “It’s been cleared, leveled, and transformed into a center of academic excellence. As someone invested in the education sector, this project is very close to my heart.”
He added, “This new faculty will not only enhance IUIU’s profile but will also attract students from across the region and the continent. It is a milestone not just for the university, but for Uganda as a whole.”
Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, the IUIU Rector, hailed the completion of the Faculty of Engineering as a long-awaited and critical step toward IUIU’s vision of becoming a world-class institution.
“This project was long overdue,” he said. “Science and technology are key drivers of national growth. With this infrastructure in place, we are positioning IUIU as a regional hub for engineering and technological innovation.”
He revealed that the faculty will offer professional programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, with the first intake of students expected in August 2026, pending accreditation.
The project was executed in collaboration with Symbion Consulting Group, who provided technical oversight, ensuring the facility met global standards. According to the university, students from over 25 countries are already enrolled in other faculties, and the new faculty is expected to increase that number significantly.
A Growing Footprint in Uganda’s Construction Sector
VCon, once focused primarily on internal developments for the Ruparelia Group, has rapidly grown into one of Uganda’s most dependable civil engineering firms. Its portfolio includes signature projects like Kingdom Kampala Mall, Tagore Living, Bukoto Living, and the expansion of Kabira Country Club. The successful delivery of IUIU’s engineering faculty cements its rising reputation as a key player in public infrastructure, especially in the education sector.
The contract was awarded in 2023 after a competitive bidding process, signed by Dr. Sudhir and Prof. Gyagenda at the university’s Kampala campus.
Ambassador Nusura Tiperu, Uganda’s envoy to Turkiye and special guest at the handover, applauded the alignment of the project with Uganda’s development blueprint.
“This commissioning speaks directly to Uganda’s ‘ATM’ priorities—Agriculture, Technology & Innovation, and Mining,” she noted. “It’s a critical step in building capacity for future engineers and scientists who will power Uganda’s growth.”
The new complex, which includes advanced laboratories and smart classrooms, is expected to be officially commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni later this year.
Spanning over 300 acres, IUIU’s master plan includes future developments in law, medicine, hospitality, and sports, alongside commercial and residential infrastructure. The university also plans to deepen collaborations with international institutions, especially in Turkiye, to enhance lecturer training and bolster Uganda’s human resource development.
With the successful handover of the Faculty of Engineering, IUIU and VCon Construction have not only met a construction milestone—they have laid the foundation for future innovation, skills development, and regional transformation in Uganda.
