Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) held fruitful engagements with a delegation from Handong Global University (HGU), South Korea, from January 7–9, 2026. The delegation comprised Assoc. Prof. Jae-Hyun Baek, Assistant Prof. Hongsup Yoon, Prof. Chang-Kee Hyun, Prof. Ranjit De, and Mr. Dowon Kim. The team paid a courtesy visit to the MUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, to discuss opportunities for advancing a partnership that commenced in July 2024 under the UNESCO – University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN) Project.
The discussions focused on joint education programmes in ICT, biomedical sciences, and engineering. Both institutions expressed commitment to deepening collaboration in staff and student exchanges, joint research, curriculum development, and shared laboratory utilisation. In her remarks, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika appreciated the delegation for undertaking the familiarization visit and encouraged the inclusion of infrastructure and institutional strengthening as key components of the partnership, noting their importance in facilitating effective technology transfer. She further emphasized the value of staff and student exchanges, highlighting their role in enhancing internationalisation.
During the visit, the delegation toured the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, the faculty of Applied Sciences, the Library and the Faculty of Health Sciences, including the Microbiology, Pharmacy, and Medical Laboratories. Through meetings with Deans and academic staff, the guests gained deeper insight into MUST’s academic strengths, facilities, and operational environment. These engagements made the visit more grounded and practical, enabling the delegation to plan more effectively for future collaborative activities.
The visit was coordinated by key MUST staff, including Dr. Kimera Richard, Lecturer in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics and focal person for the partnership; Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences; Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko, Senior Communications Officer; Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Deputy Academic Registrar; Dr. Barbara Tuhamise, Lecturer; Dr. William Wasswa, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology; and Dr. Fred Kaggwa, Dean, Faculty of Computing and Informatics.
As part of the engagement, the delegation led a Biosciences Seminar at MUST on January 8, 2026. The seminar brought together staff, healthcare professionals, and students to explore cutting-edge developments in metabolic health and medical technology. The programme featured four landmark presentations given by each of the Professors.
Prof. Ranjit De, PhD, delivered an insightful presentation on next-generation healthcare approaches for Diabetes Mellitus monitoring. He highlighted how emerging technologies are shifting beyond traditional finger-prick testing toward seamless, data-driven monitoring systems, offering new possibilities for real-time patient management and improved clinical decision-making.
Complementing this technological perspective, Prof. Chang-Kee Hyun, PhD, presented on the biochemical development of therapeutic agents targeting metabolic disorders. His research explored novel pharmaceutical pathways aimed at addressing conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance by targeting underlying molecular mechanisms rather than symptoms alone.
The seminar provided a valuable platform for academic exchange, debate, and networking, strengthening collaboration between the visiting scholars and the MUST community while bridging advanced laboratory research with practical healthcare applications.
The delegation visit from Handong Global University marks another significant step for MUST in its mission to lead in science and technology and stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to building high-impact international research partnerships that advance innovation, knowledge exchange, and global engagement.
