US commits to empowering Ugandan universities in fostering innovation, research

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The US ambassador in Uganda, William W Popp, has expressed his country’s commitment to continue investing in high-impact research and credible projects in institutions that contribute to solving local problems and changing lives.

The Ambassador made the commitment during his visit to the Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Mbarara City, on March 5, 2026.

The ambassador toured several programmes supported by the US implemented at the university, some focusing on investigating measures on addressing HIV/AIDS, TB, infant mortality, cancer mitigation measures and the projects have been impactful to the communities. 

The Ambassador’s visit was looking at how the US government strengthens more partnerships that can enhance innovation and technology transfer and impact development for communities.

Popp said the US government is not just fighting disease, but it is also investing heavily in the next generation of Ugandan engineers, doctors, and AI specialists who compete in the global economy.

He was excited to see MUST’s commitment to science and innovation to building the future through education and said these are true values that connect the US and Uganda.

“As the US prepares for its 250th anniversary, we celebrate how American democratic values, like free inquiry and risk-taking, are the same values driving Ugandan students at MUST to solve problems,” Ambassador Popp stated.

The US ambassador in Uganda William W Popp touring a number of projects supported by US government at Mbarara University.

Popp was proud of the connections with US universities and researchers bringing American innovation and excellence to Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the university, he said, has turned out to be a centre of academic excellence in East Africa.

The ambassador reported how US funding is currently powering advanced research in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) engineering and biotechnology. Popp noted that the partnership between Ugandan institutions and the US means so much for a shared future and has impacted greatly to the communities.

University reaps big in partnership

Mbarara University vice-chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika hailed Ambassador Popp for his decisive leadership in advancing the longstanding partnership between the US  and Uganda across health, education, innovation and community development.

Byakika informed the Ambassador and his team that Mbarara University has worked to translate research into real-world impact that contributes to better health outcomes and stronger communities.

“We have built a long-tested partnership with a good number of research and innovation collaborations with USA agencies and organizations that have greatly impacted our institution and the community,” Byakika said.

According to Byakika, Mbarara University is currently implementing 93 projects, out of which 65 are funded by the US, worth $36,353,904.

In addition, she reported that the World Bank, which is greatly supported by US funding, supported the establishment of Mbarara University Centre of Excellence in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and traditional medicine.

“These research projects have been instrumental in strengthening our research and innovation capacity, nurturing young scientists, and expanding the frontiers of health, ICT, engineering, agriculture and business with an interdisciplinary approach, “She added.

Benefits of the US collaboration

Byakika also informed the Ambassador that through these collaborations, Mbarara University has been able to train a new generation of Ugandan researchers and scholars who are contributing to global scientific knowledge, advancing groundbreaking studies in public health, among others.

She expressed deepest gratitude to the government and people of the United States for their unwavering support. She said the Ambassador’s visit inspired renewed commitment to excellence, integrity and service and promise of greater achievements.

Dr Medard Twinamatsiko Katonera, the director of innovation and technology transfer at the university, hailed what he termed a strategic mission visit of Ambassador Popp, saying it symbolises strong bilateral relations between MUST and US government, especially for supporting programs that are enhancing innovation and technology transfer and impact development for the communities.

He said they are looking forward to engaging more with the US government on the strategic partnerships.