On January 14, 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted a collaborative stakeholder engagement meeting focused on reviewing and enhancing the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (FIS) curriculum. The session brought together key figures from various sectors to discuss and shape the future of academic programmes within the Faculty. Notable attendees included: future employers, representatives from public service, Mbarara city governance, local government leadership, the President’s office, Mbarara Member of Parliament, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, MUST alumni. Internal stakeholders included: members of the university council, the university senate, university top management, faculty and staff of MUST, and students.
The meeting was moderated by the University Communications Officer (PR), who facilitated a lively and productive discussion with Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko. Dr. Viola Nyakato, former Dean of FIS, and several former Deans of the Faculty were also in attendance, contributing to the meaningful dialogue.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe-Kazoba, officially declared the meeting opened. He acknowledged the Faculty for being at the forefront of offering solutions to community challenges. He pointed out the Faculty’s commitment to excellence with a focus on relevant education that meets local, national, and global needs. He asked the stakeholders present to share genuine feedback to refine programmes, so as to address pressing needs. He said, “Change is inevitable, but don’t be caught unaware of it. Don’t fight change; rather, craft a strategy to respond to that change.”
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Wendo Mlahagwa, the current Dean of FIS, emphasized the Faculty’s commitment to fostering holistic learning in fields such as agriculture, governance, and public health. She stated, “Since its establishment in 2013, FIS has prioritized interdisciplinary approaches to research and training, contributing to Vision 2040, NDP IV, and Agenda 2030.” Dr. Mlahagwa added that students at FIS engage in diverse, system-based programmes, equipping them to address challenges in agribusiness, political economy, gender, and beyond.
The keynote speaker, Prof. George Openjuru Laddah, the Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, called for a more inclusive approach to scientific innovation, advocating for collaboration between scientists, social scientists, and humanists. He remarked, “Such collaboration can help ensure that technological advancements are ethical and consider the broader societal impacts, ensuring that new technologies serve humanity rather than harm it.”
Benard Mujuni (Esq), Commissioner at the Ministry of Labour, Gender, and Social Development, a renown author with books like Rabbit on the Pulpit and The Monologue Diary of a COVID-19 Walker, along with Ms. Iculet Arikosi, former Guild President of MUST, reflected on Prof. Openjuru’s keynote address. These pointed out: the Relevance of Interdisciplinary approach, The willingness to learn from each other and that art and science are intertwined.
Bernard shared insights from his two recent books: Rabbit on the Pulpit, which discusses decolonizing identity in terms of heritage and how contemporary information age affects storytelling and knowledge transfer between parents and children, and The Monologue Diary of a COVID-19 Walker, which poetically reflects on the reality of living through the 100 days of COVID-19.
The faculty presented the different programmes within the Faculty, including the existing ones that are undergoing the re-accreditation process and the proposed programmes at the postgraduate level. The presentations showcased the details of the existing matrix of all the programmes, their relevance to MUST and the community, and their applicability in today’s world. These focused on the alignment with the university’s mission and vision.
Notably, the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies offers a service course across all programmes in the university. This gives students an opportunity to gain exposure to the real world outside their professional programmes, such as health professionals, engineers, teachers, ICT professionals, business professionals, and more. This entails:
- Understanding National Development: It provides insights into the interplay between politics, economics, and society, enabling students to comprehend the factors shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.
- Historical Context: It helps students appreciate Uganda’s historical struggles, such as the fight for independence, and understand the roots of contemporary political and economic challenges.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Political economy equips students with analytical tools to assess policies, institutions, and systems, fostering critical thinking and innovative solutions for national and global challenges.
- Interdisciplinary Relevance: Regardless of their discipline, students benefit from understanding how various fields intersect.
During the meeting, a group of engineering students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology showcased the application of the Development Studies service course offered at MUST and how it has been insightful in their field as future engineers.
FAST students sharing the relevance of the DVS service course
A panel that comprised local leaders, MUST faculty, city leaders, and a representative from Public service, the office of Mbarara District Member of Parliament shared ideas on how best to refine the Faculty’s programmes to fit community demands, help implement government programmes, and ensure relevance to the university’s mission.
Rt. Capt. JB Tumusiime provided a detailed recap of the meeting, summarizing key points and highlighting areas of focus for the curriculum update. He emphasized the importance of aligning the curriculum with community needs, industry standards, and national development priorities to ensure its relevance and impact.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika thanked the attendees for joining the meeting on short notice. She acknowledged Professor George Openjuru for his contributions to education and his holistic keynote address. Prof. Byakika Kibwika underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating arts and sciences, and tailoring programmes to address complex global issues such as climate change and public health.
The discussions centered on the need to integrate more practical and relevant skills into academic programmes, particularly those in agriculture, gender and public health, and community development. The panel emphasized the importance of creating future professionals who are equipped to address these challenges.
For more details please watch the link below: https://youtube.com/live/AqXZ8cGN3GA?feature=share
