England’s UWE seek research collaborations with Ugandan universities

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A team from the University of the West of England (UWE) has begun a historic visit to Uganda, with the goal of establishing key research partnerships with some of the country's most prestigious universities.

Between Monday, April 13 and Friday, April 17, the UWE delegation made visits to Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Uganda Christian University (UCU), forging pathways for academic collaboration that could drive groundbreaking research, international academic exchanges and shared development projects.

The trip is part of UWE’s ongoing efforts to expand its international reach and deepen its engagement with universities in the Global South.

A team from the University of the West of England (UWE) led by Prof. Yvonne Beach inspecting Kyambogo’s Department of performing arts common room. (Photo by Ivan Tsebeni)

The primary focus is to create robust research partnerships that address pressing issues such as public health, sustainable development, climate change and technology innovation, all of which are critical to Uganda's development agenda.

The delegation, led by Prof. Yvonne Beach, Pro Vice-Chancellor International at UWE, met with academic leaders, researchers and administrators at the three Ugandan universities to explore potential areas of collaboration.

Speaking at Kyambogo University on Friday, Prof. Beach highlighted the importance of international research collaborations in tackling global challenges.

“We live in a world where no university or country can work in isolation. Global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and social inequality demand collective action,” Prof. Beach said.

“At UWE, we are excited about the opportunity to work with Uganda’s top institutions. Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Uganda Christian University are leaders in their respective fields, and through this collaboration, we hope to combine our strengths to drive impactful, solution-oriented research.”

The partnership will focus on areas where both UWE and Ugandan universities have expertise. These include public health, agricultural innovation, technology, and sustainable energy solutions, which are vital to addressing Uganda’s socio-economic needs. Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and most respected institutions, is already engaged in groundbreaking research in these areas, and UWE aims to bring its expertise in applied research and technology to help catalyse progress.

Prof. Darren Reynolds, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at UWE, emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange in a globalised world.

“Research collaboration is about sharing knowledge, developing new ideas, and creating lasting impacts. It’s about fostering an environment where both students and researchers can learn from each other. By joining forces with Makerere University, Kyambogo, and UCU, we are setting the stage for mutually beneficial research projects that can have a transformative effect on both our academic communities and the societies we serve.”

Innovations

Kyambogo University also welcomed UWE’s initiative with open arms. During their visit, the delegation met with Prof. Maria G.N. Musoke, Kyambogo’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, who expressed her excitement about the new partnership.

“Kyambogo University has a long history of fostering innovation and research in fields such as education, engineering, and business. This collaboration with UWE will allow us to expand our research capacity and tap into new resources, knowledge, and networks. We are particularly interested in working together on sustainability initiatives and educational development,” Prof. Musoke said.

Prof. Bosco Bua, Kyambogo University’s Director of Research and Graduate Training, noted that the partnership would also open up new opportunities for research funding, student exchanges, and staff development programs. “Our students and staff stand to benefit immensely from this collaboration, especially in the areas of capacity building, where we can draw on UWE’s expertise in research methodology and project management,” he said. “By sharing resources and knowledge, we can enhance the quality of our academic programs and make our research more impactful.”

Kyambogo University, with its strong focus on training graduates who are ready to face the challenges of Uganda’s growing economy, sees the partnership as an opportunity to drive further innovation in technology and industrial development.

UCU’s Commitment

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is also poised to benefit from the proposed partnership with UWE. The delegation visited the university’s administration, where David Mugawe, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Planning, expressed optimism about the collaborative opportunities that lay ahead.

“UCU has always been at the forefront of offering quality education in Uganda, and our mission to provide world-class education aligns perfectly with UWE’s objectives. We are particularly interested in exploring research collaborations that touch on social sciences, health, and community development,” Mugawe said.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to enhance our research capacity and increase UCU’s visibility on the global academic map.”

UCU has a strong reputation for its focus on community engagement, and the partnership with UWE will help enhance the impact of its research on Ugandan society. The emphasis on social change and practical research will allow both universities to engage in projects that address the needs of vulnerable communities, including those affected by poverty, disease, and climate change.

The partnerships were initiated by Nathan Namatati, a Ugandan living in the UK and founder of the New Dawn International Charity. The organization is actively involved in social engagement initiatives in Uganda, working in collaboration with the University of the West of England. Through this partnership, the charity brings students from UWE to Uganda, where they collaborate with students from local institutions to deliver knowledge transfer projects that benefit surrounding communities.

The University of the West of England (UWE) and Kyambogo University delegations pose for a group photo. (Photo by Ivan Tsebeni)

Doreen Nakami, the country representative of New Dawn International Charity, said the new partnerships will be mutually beneficial for both Uganda and the UK.

“The relationship between UWE and Ugandan education institutions has been on for three years and we are hopeful that we shall reap more benefits from this collaboration,” she said.

Mian Ng, the UWE Lead in Africa Strategy and Global Partnerships, Social and Cultural Engagement, said the university is seeking partnerships with Ugandan universities and non-government organisations to create synergies that can change the wellbeing of communities.

“When we come together, we can easily get problems solved,” she said.

Future plans

As the UWE delegation wraps up its visit, all parties involved are eager to see the fruits of this partnership. The goal is to lay a strong foundation for long-term collaboration that will benefit not only the universities involved but also the communities they serve.

Prof. Beach’s final words encapsulated the vision for the future: “This partnership is just the beginning. By working together, we can create a global network of researchers dedicated to solving the most pressing issues of our time. We look forward to the exciting work that lies ahead and the positive impact it will have in Uganda and beyond.”

The collaboration between UWE and Uganda’s universities promises to pave the way for groundbreaking research, educational exchanges, and shared development initiatives that will have a lasting impact on both countries.