Welcome to IUCEA

Vision:  IUCEA becomes an exemplary common higher education area for a prosperous and sustainable East African Community by 2030.

Mission: To encourage and develop mutually beneficial collaboration between Member Universities and between them and Governments and other organizations, both public and private

IUCEA Core Values:  Accountability, Transparency, Unity, Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and Teamwork

IUCEA executive members visiting IUCEA premise

IUCEA Inaugurates Phase II Headquarters Building, marking a new chapter in advancing higher education and regional integration

Kampala, Uganda | 31 October 2026-The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) has officially inaugurated its Phase II Headquarters Building at Kigobe Road, Kyambogo, Kampala, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s continued commitment to strengthening higher education, research, innovation and regional integration across the East African Community (EAC).

The new facility was officially inaugurated by the Right Honourable Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, in the presence of the Secretary General of the East African Community, representatives of EAC Partner States, Ministers responsible for higher education, senior government officials, university leaders, development partners and other distinguished stakeholders.

The inauguration represents an important investment in the institutional capacity of IUCEA and its expanding mandate of promoting collaboration, harmonisation and the development of higher education systems across the East African region.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of IUCEA, Prof. Idris A. Rai, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the institution’s development and a reflection of the collective commitment of EAC Partner States to advancing higher education as a strategic driver of regional transformation.

“Today, we are not simply inaugurating a new building; we are celebrating a vision, a shared commitment and an investment in the future of higher education in East Africa. This facility represents our determination to strengthen IUCEA’s institutional capacity and provide an enabling environment for deeper regional cooperation, innovation, research and excellence in higher education,” said Prof. Rai.

He further emphasised that the new headquarters would provide improved working facilities to support IUCEA’s growing responsibilities, enhance engagement with stakeholders and strengthen coordination among universities, governments, industry and development partners.

Prof. Rai noted that as the East African Community continues to deepen its integration agenda, higher education institutions have a critical role to play in producing skilled human capital, advancing scientific research, fostering innovation and addressing the region’s development challenges.

In her remarks, the Right Honourable Rebecca Kadaga commended IUCEA for its contribution to the development of higher education in East Africa and underscored the importance of investing in institutions that support regional integration, knowledge generation and human capital development.

She highlighted the strategic importance of higher education in strengthening cooperation among EAC Partner States, promoting the free movement of skills and knowledge, and preparing young people to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges within the region and beyond.

The Phase II building project follows the groundbreaking ceremony held in 2023 and reflects the continued commitment of IUCEA and its stakeholders to expanding the institution’s infrastructure in response to its growing regional responsibilities.

Established to promote cooperation among universities in East Africa, IUCEA plays a central role in advancing the harmonisation of higher education systems, facilitating academic mobility, strengthening quality assurance, promoting university–industry linkages and supporting the development of the East African Common Higher Education Area (EACHEA).

Through its programmes and strategic partnerships, IUCEA continues to support the EAC integration agenda by facilitating the development of competitive, relevant and responsive higher education systems capable of contributing to sustainable economic and social transformation.

The inauguration of the Phase II Headquarters Building therefore represents more than an infrastructure milestone. It symbolises a renewed institutional commitment to excellence, stronger partnerships and a shared regional vision in which knowledge, research and innovation serve as foundations for East Africa’s prosperity.

As IUCEA moves forward with its strategic priorities, the new facility is expected to provide an enhanced institutional environment for delivering its mandate and strengthening its position as a key regional institution in the advancement of higher education.

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About IUCEA

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is an institution of the East African Community established to promote and develop cooperation in higher education among universities and other higher education institutions in the EAC Partner States. Its mandate includes promoting harmonisation of higher education systems, facilitating academic mobility, strengthening quality assurance, supporting research and innovation, and advancing university–industry partnerships for regional development.

Media Contact.

Gai P. Manyuon, PhD

Public Relations and Corporate Communications Officer,

Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)

Email:gmanyuon@iucea.org

Mobile:+256-700-421-986
Website: www.iucea.org

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