In a move to strengthen industry-academia partnerships, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nile Breweries Mbarara Plant and AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts (AP) in Belgium on February 14, 2025. The signing ceremony led by the MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Eng. James Ongaria the Plant Manager Nile Breweries Mbarara and Ms. Linda Van den Broeck, Head of Elecktromechanics at AP marks a significant milestone in fostering industrial training, research, and innovation. The partnership will establish an Industrial Hub at MUST, which will be housed under the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT).
Below left to right: Signing of MoU by Mr. Vincent Kwatampora the University Secretary, Mr. Timothy Ndiana Mugumya the MUST Senior Legal Officer, Eng. James Ongaria the Plant Manager Nile Breweries, the MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika.
Below: Ms. Linda Van den Broeck the Head of Elecktromechanics at AP
A strategic partnership for industrial growth
Nile Breweries, recognises this partnership as an opportunity to tap into a pool of highly skilled graduates, ensuring that industries have access to well-trained employees. “If students are prepared at MUST, then it gets easier when they are employed. Our work as employers will be to just polish them a little,” noted Eng. Ongaria leading the team from Nile Breweries. The other delegates were; Ms. Christine Napeyok, Human Resource Business Partner, Ms. Clare Komuhangi the plant secretary and Mr. Perplex Kusingura, environmental controller.
Mr. Geert Van Grieken, Senior Lecturer, Industrial Automation and Robotics Sciences from AP University expressed admiration for MUST’s motto, “Succeed We Must,” which resonated with their vision of academic excellence and industry relevance. AP University pledged to send chemists and biochemists to MUST to facilitate knowledge exchange. “We are here to create opportunities, share knowledge and learn from experts at MUST” said Mr. Gieken. In attendance too was Mr. Bart Van Mol a lecturer, research and program coordinator in industrial automation at AP and has been active involved in trainings undertaken under this partnership.
Empowering local experts for industry needs
One of the key benefits of the partnership is the development of local expertise to bridge skill gaps in the industrial sector under the Industry Technology Hub. The initiative aims to train highly skilled industrial engineers, reducing the cost of hiring expatriates. By equipping students with industry-ready skills, MUST is positioning itself as a leader in practical engineering education.
To kick-start the collaboration, teaser training sessions are scheduled at Nile Breweries in Mbarara and Jinja, as well as Coca-Cola’s Mbarara branch and Lato Milk Mbarara is also in the loop, furthering expansion of industry engagement.
A longstanding relationship with AP University
Prof. Kazooba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration and the local coordinator of the MUST IUC-UCoBS project, highlighted how the university’s relationship with AP University and Nile Breweries dates back to 2018 under the Applied Curriculum in Technology for East Africa (ACTEA) project where MUST got interested in industrial automation. A master class was then organised and regional industrial stakeholders engaged. In 2022, the collaboration continued under the MUST IUC-UCoBS project through sub project 5 which focuses on youth employability led by Dr. Manasseh Tumuhimbise. Through collaborative efforts, 60,000 euros was secured from West Flanders Province to establish phase one of the Entrepreneurship Centre at MUST.
Institutional endorsements and future prospects
MUST University Secretary Mr. Vincent Kwatampora welcomed the initiative, commending Nile Breweries for their role as a key industry partner. While humorously clarifying that he is a great supporter and beneficiary of Nile breweries not as a consumer of beer, he highlighted how he benefits from Nile Breweries’ by-products as a farmer. He assured his commitment to overseeing administrative functions within the partnership.
“President Museveni has been preaching the gospel of value addition. This partnership will enable our students to conduct research, do projects and contribute to value addition in industries. We are to producing skilled graduates ready for the workforce,” noted Prof. Byakika-Kibwika as she commended the different partners for bridging the gap between academia and industry. “This MoU marks a significant step for MUST. It formalises a journey that has been ongoing formally, strengthening our collaboration with industry players. We look forward to technology transfer, hands on training and employment training for our graduates” the VC further highlighted. She urged Nile Breweries to not only equip students with skills but also offer employment opportunities upon graduation. Additionally, she encouraged AP University to expand collaborations with MUST, particularly in technology transfer and academic exchange programs.
The Vice Chancellor also urged Nile Breweries to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including sensitizing students on responsible alcohol consumption and mental health awareness. She reassured stakeholders that the partnership with Nile Breweries is not intended to promote alcohol consumption but rather to strengthen industry-academia relations.
During the meeting, the Prof. Byakika-Kibwika appreciated Mr. Timothy Ndiana Mugumya the Senior Legal Officer who reviews all MoUs and agreements and offers guidance on legal matters at MUST.
Other key MUST participants were; Dr. Medard Twinamatisko the CITT Director, Dr. Manasseh Tumuhimbise the MUST IUC-UCoBS project 5 leader, Dr. John Kule Baguma the Deputy Dean of Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Mr. Amos Baryashaba the Principal IT officer, Eng. Achilles Byabashaija the University Engineer, Ms. Angella Nakato the Communications Officer in charger of Public Relations and Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko, the Communications officer in Charge of International Relations.
Looking ahead
As the MOU was signed, the MC likened the partnership to a marriage, emphasizing the importance of nurturing it for long-term success. This partnership marks a new era for MUST, paving the way for the establishment of the Industry Technology Hub, which will be instrumental in equipping students with essential workforce skills.
To oversee the implementation of the partnership, a seven-member steering committee was formed, comprising three representatives from MUST, two from Nile Breweries, and two from AP University.
This MOU signing is a testament to MUST’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern workforce. With continued collaboration and strategic planning, this partnership is poised to yield transformative outcomes for students, industry partners, and the broader economy.
Succeed we must.
Above: Prof. Byakika shaking hands and exchange MoU with Ms. Linda Van den Broeck and Eng. Ongaria after the signing
Above: Eng. James Ongaria, Ms Christine Napeyok, Human Resource Business Partner, Ms. Clare Komuhangi the plant secretary and Mr. Perplex Kusingura, environmental controller
