A delegation from the MUST-IUC-UCoBS project concluded a successful annual partnership visit to Belgium, aimed at strengthening networks with the Flemish Universities. From June 2 to 6, 2025, the team visited Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Ghent University (UGent), University of Antwerp, HOWEST, and Thomas More University of Applied Sciences. The delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe–Kazooba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at MUST and Local Coordinator of UCoBS. Other team members included Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko the Deputy Local Coordinator and Team Leader for Subproject 1, Dr. Fred Kaggwa the Team Leader for Sub-project 6, Ms. Sheila Niinye Olivia, the Senior Communications Officer in charge of International Relations and Team Member for Subproject 6 and Ms. Lydia Asiimwe the UCoBS Project Manager.
Engagements at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
During the visit, Prof. Jan Danckaert, the Rector of VUB, commended the leadership of MUST-IUC-UCoBS for its impactful work in fostering global partnerships to address societal challenges. He appreciated the meaningful partnership between both institutions. Assoc. Prof. Kazooba emphasized the project’s successful three-year implementation and looks forward to more years of working together as they address demographic challenges in South-Western Uganda. A Joint Steering Committee meeting chaired by Prof. Gily Coene, the Flemish Coordinator for the project discussed developments in project activities, financing and synergies for enhanced outcomes. Representing the funding agency, VLIR-UOS, Ms. Kathleen Wuytack presented about the progress of the project and appreciated the implementing partners especially for a good audit report and shared the VLIR-UOS updates.
The delegation also expanded networks by connecting with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Kenya, which also has an Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) with VUB and has visited at the same time.
Collaboration with Ghent University (UGent)
At UGent, the Vice Rector, Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, warmly welcomed the delegation, reaffirming UGent’s commitment to strengthening ties with MUST. Coordinated by Ms. Annelies Verdoolaege, UGent’s Africa Platform Coordinator, discussions highlighted internationalization strategies. Mr. Rudy Gevaert, Subproject 6 Flemish Team Leader, discussed ICT infrastructural advancements at MUST, emphasizing improved institutional and community ICT capacity.
Engagement with Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
The MUST delegation also met with Prof. Stijn Coenen, President of Thomas More University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Coenen signed the VLIR-UOS ICP Connect project DI4D (Digital Innovation for Development) agreement. This initiative, led by Dr. Fred Kaggwa at MUST aims to globalize IT education, focusing on sustainable development goals (SDGs). The project supports scholars from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Cuba to pursue ICT programs in Belgium.
Strengthening Ties with HOWEST
At HOWEST, Thijs Marten, Subproject 5 Flemish Team Leader, hosted discussions that enhanced student exchange programs and explored strategies for operationalizing the MUST Entrepreneurship Centre. The dialogue also focused on fostering youth employability through skills development. Ms Katelijne Demeyere, the Global Engagement Officer at HOWEST highlighted renewed energy to advance partnerships with the MUST International Relations Office especially under the Global Minds support with 10 Belgium students visiting MUST for innovation outputs. The Province of West Flanders, the funders of the Entrepreneurship Centre was represented by Santens Pieters.
Engagement with the University of Antwerp
The Team had a cordial welcome at Antwerp University (UAntwerp) and received a progress presentation from Ms. Giulia Lodi and Ms. Patience Ayesiga, PhD students under Sub-project 1. PhD scholar Ms. Ayesiga was just concluding her 5 months stay at the University of Antwerp, her main focus during this exchange was to analyse the data she had collected. The team visited biological laboratories at UAntwerp.
Overview of the MUST-IUC-UCoBS Project
The MUST-IUC-UCoBS (ucobs.must.ac.ug) project titled: University as a facilitator for community based sustainable solutions to demographic challenges in south western Uganda is a 10-year initiative funded by VLIR-UOS. With a strong focus on research, knowledge generation, capacity building, community outreach and mobility, the UCoBS project is implemented through six thematic subprojects;
a) Improved conservation practices for the environment and natural resources
b) Climate change adaptation for food production
c) Access and utilisation of affordable energy technology
d) Sexual and reproductive health and rights for women. Child and adolescents
e) Youth employability through skilling, experiential learning and technology transfer
f) Institutional and community ICT capacity to access and utilise information
Conclusion
The partnership visit highlighted the critical role of global collaboration in driving local progress. The MUST-IUC-UCoBS project, through robust networks, shared expertise, and innovation, continues to address development challenges in South-Western Uganda and beyond. Partnerships with Flemish universities remain key to advancing sustainable solutions and securing a better future for all stakeholders.
