MUST participates in the Uganda – Burundi Joint Permanent Commission Meeting in
Bujumbura City
In an effort to augment international partnerships, Mbarara University of Science and Technology
participated in the Uganda – Burundi Joint Permanent Commission Meeting held from 22 nd to 24th March
2022 in Bujumbura City, Burundi. The meeting was focused on increasing bilateral relations between the
two countries.
The Head of the Uganda Delegation was Hon. John Mulumba Minister of State for Foreign
Affairs while Hon. Albert Nshingiro the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation led the
Burundi delegation. Uganda and Burundi committed to fostering a conducive policy environment and
enhanced physical and communication infrastructure to boost bilateral ties and improve the livelihoods
of people living in both countries. Existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of
education, economic affairs, security, political and social affairs were evaluated and timelines set to
achieve new targets. New MoUs between Uganda and Burundi were signed in the fields of diplomatic
and political consultations, hydrocarbon sector, energy sector and sports.
The MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Celestino Obua who headed the MUST delegation that comprised of Ms.
Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko, Dr. Data Santorino and Ms. Nuriat Nambogo led fruitful discussions to
expand the partnership between MUST and University of Ngozi. Prof. Celestino Obua and Ms. Sheila
Niinye Twinamatsiko the International Relations Officer also visited University of Ngozi where they met
the University leadership led by Rector Fr. Apollinaire Bangayimbaga and discussed more areas for
further collaboration. The priority areas include staff and student exchange, joint research projects, joint
supervision of graduate students and joint participation in conferences and workshops. Over the years,
the MUST – Ngozi partnership has held joint hackathons organised by CAMTech and the Club Vision
Santé (CVS) of University of Ngozi. Plans are under way to support the creation of an innovation hub at
the Ngozi Medical campus and roll out PRISMS innovation in Burundi. Consular James Wafula of the
Uganda Embassy in Bujumbura has paved way for the partnership to advance to its current stage.
Succeed We MUST!