On 7th February 2023, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) launched a 12-year project known as MUST- Institutional University Cooperation titled “University as a facilitator for community-based sustainable solutions to demographic challenges in southwestern Uganda (MUST IUC-UCoBS)”. The launch aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the project, synergizing ideas, set plans and strategies between MUST and her implementing partners.
The chairperson of the 7th MUST university council, Dr. Warren Naamara welcomed the Ambassador of Belgium His Excellency Rudi Veestraeten who was the chief guest at the launch. He further appreciated the Belgium government and Flemish partners for implementing an exceptional project with MUST. In his remarks, the Ambassador commended the MUST administration and UCoBS leadership for coming up with a unique idea that gave birth to the UCoBS project. He highlighted the partnerships the Belgium government has with Uganda in sectors of education, health, and environmental conservation and pointed out the benefits of these partnerships. H.E Rudi Veestraeten encouraged MUST to use the funds given to them for the right cause so that the project objectives are met.
MUST IUC- UCoBS is one of the five global institutional university cooperation partnerships funded by VLIR-UOS in Belgium. The project is jointly implemented with the Flemish Higher Education institutions coordinated by VUB. The six sub-projects that make up the MUST IUC-UCoBS project are;
- Improved conservation practices of the environment and natural resources
- Improved mechanisms for climate change adaptation for sustainable food production for small-scale farmers
- Improved access and utilization of affordable energy technologies among female-headed households and the urban poor
- Improved sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, children, and adolescents
- Increased youth employability through skilling, innovations, experiential learning, and technology and transfer
These areas were expounded by Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe Kazooba, the Project’s local coordinator as he gave his opening remarks. Prof. Gily Coene the Flemish coordinator noted that the project was developed through a multidisciplinary team in the areas of medicine, environment, engineering, business, ICT, and gender studies. She observed that higher institutions play an important role in shaping and changing our societies and the project aims at ensuring sustainable changes for the most at-risk populations.
According to the Vice-Rector, of Internationalisation at VUB Prof. Karin Vanderkerken, the launch of the project was a combination of the relationship MUST and Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) have built together over a long time. ‘’We have built a mutual relationship of working together and we are looking forward to its sustainability. I am proud that we have been able to bring together researchers from different disciplines such as medicine, business, and ICT. On behalf of the Flemish team, I want to thank MUST and the UCoBS team for the hospitality, trust, and commitment towards the implementation of this project, keep it up’’ Prof. Karin remarked.
VLIR-UOS Programme Manager, Ms.Kathleen Wuytack gave a presentation and noted that VLIR-UOS is the Belgium University Cooperation focused on ensuring projects create positive change that is sustainable and enables partners to learn from each other. She stated that the IUC partnerships are important to VLIR-UOS since they have linkages with the government, civil society, and the private sector.
Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko the Deputy local project coordinator revealed that the project thematic areas resonate with the VLIR-UOS main objectives of conservation of ecosystems, resilience to climate change, ensuring healthy lives, equitable and quality education, improved research, innovations, and entrepreneurship.
There were panel discussions between the implementing partners to dialogue about the project from different perspectives. These included representatives from the partnering institutions in Belgium such as VUB, Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, and HOWEST. Implementing partners from Uganda were Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Agriculture Research Organisation, Centre for Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Health, National Information Technology Authority- Uganda, and Start hub.
As he closed the launch event, Prof. Celestino Obua, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) MUST appreciated the partners for working with the MUST team to develop the IUC- UCoBS project, he urged them to utilize the resources given for the purpose set out. He pledged his support as the VC and reminded members that the university had waived off tuition for all the scholars on the project. He also encouraged the scholars to finish their programmes on time.
The launch set a favorable ground for the MUST- IUC- UCoBS project to attain its set objectives.
The launch event was also live on EYIT TV, watch via the attached link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0Vs0ypBE08&t=475s
Succeed we must.