The Office of the National Chairman Manager, SPA Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has urged newly appointed brand ambassadors of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Kampala Campus to embrace creativity, humility and effective mobilisation as they take on the responsibility of promoting the institution.
SPA Namyalo made the call while addressing students during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the campus brand ambassadors, Ganyana Shakira and Lumu AbdulHakim, who were tasked with raising awareness about the university, its academic programmes and achievements.
She attended the event at the invitation of the campus director, Mr Kasozi Sinan, who said the engagement provided an opportunity for the university to host Namyalo and allow her to address students.
Congratulating the newly appointed ambassadors, Chief Muzzukulu said their selection was an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the institution but cautioned that the responsibility required commitment, discipline and the ability to connect with different audiences.
She challenged them to go beyond the title and demonstrate through their conduct and public engagement why they had been selected from among many other students.
“Do not just think about selling the brand; be the brand. Before you think about creating content, become the content,” Namyalo said, urging the ambassadors to embody the values and identity of the institution they represent.
She said effective promotion required more than sharing information on social media, adding that the ambassadors needed to be innovative, socially responsive and actively involved in engaging students and communities.
Namyalo encouraged them to develop fresh ideas, remain physically present in their communities and use their communication skills to make the university more visible to prospective students and the wider public.
She also urged them to seek guidance from Almighty Allah as they undertake their new responsibilities, saying wisdom, humility and the willingness to learn would be important in helping them achieve their objectives.
“Let us not assume that we know more than others or that we are the best. We need knowledge, because a knowledgeable mind gives insight and helps us identify ideas that are worthwhile, positive and beneficial,” she said.
Namyalo further cautioned the ambassadors against dismissing views from people with whom they might disagree, urging them to listen to different perspectives, assess the information they receive and make informed decisions.
She said the ability to listen and learn from others was essential for anyone seeking to influence public opinion and mobilise people around a common goal.
The presidential advisor also encouraged the ambassadors to use their networks among students and secondary schools to promote IUIU Kampala Campus, saying wider awareness of the institution could help attract more learners and strengthen its public image.
She observed that student-led mobilisation, if supported by creativity and consistent engagement, could expand the university’s reach and help communicate the opportunities available to prospective students.
Namyalo also acknowledged the challenges facing young people, particularly girls and those from less privileged backgrounds, noting that their circumstances often limited their ability to access opportunities and meet their aspirations.
She called for greater sensitivity to such challenges, encouraging the ambassadors to approach their work with an understanding of the different social and economic realities affecting the people they engage.
The ceremony also featured remarks from the newly appointed ambassadors, who pledged to promote the university’s image, uphold its values and encourage students to embrace learning and unity.
Ganyana Shakira said the appointment was more than an honorary title, describing it as an opportunity to represent the university with confidence and pride.
She pledged to promote IUIU’s achievements and academic opportunities while encouraging fellow students to uphold the institution’s values.
Lumu AbdulHakim, in his remarks, thanked the university administration for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to promote excellence, unity, discipline and Islamic values.
He urged fellow ambassadors to make promoting the institution part of their daily lives, saying their commitment would be reflected in how they spoke about and represented the university.
The University’s Guild President Emunyu Ibrahim Yahya thanked SPA Namyalo for accepting the invitation and commended the university’s marketing team and students involved in promoting the institution through social media and outreach activities in secondary schools.
He said the ambassadors had a responsibility to help more people learn about IUIU and the programmes it offers.
The ambassadors were sworn in by the campus Imam, Sheikh Kisuule AbdulHakim, during the ceremony attended by university administrators, student leaders and other invited guests.
