Makerere partners with China University to start oil institute

PIC: The vice-president of the China University of Petroleum, Prof. Liu Huadong (left) tries on a necktie with Makerere University colours as the vice-chancellor of Makerere, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, looks on. This was during the discussion of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities on April 19, 2018. (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

EDUCATION

KAMPALA - Makerere University and China University of Petroleum (CUP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will lead to the establishment of an oil institute at the college of natural sciences. 

Makerere University vice-chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe said the MoU was signed in December and that implementation of areas of collaboration has started.

"The MoU will see the two universities mobilise funds to start the petroleum institute," Nawangwe said.

The universities will also collaborate in the areas of staff and student exchange; joint research and organising conference activities, he added.

Nawangwe made the remarks while meeting a delegation of seven officials from CUP on Thursday. He said the financial details of the MoU will come out at a later stage.

 In 2009, Makerere University introduced the bachelor of sciences programme for petroleum geosciences and production. Records show the intake has since registered an increasing trend.


The Chinese team was led by Liu Huadong, the vice-president of CUP. CUP was founded in 1953 to train oil experts in the Asian country.

Nawangwe said the relationship between the two universities will not only benefit the academic institutions, but improve the relationship between the two countries. 

In his remarks, Liu said they will also donate some of their education equipment to Makerere to boost capacity. The Chinese delegation was later led around the college of natural sciences. 

The petroleum sector in Uganda has attracted increasing interest since 2006 when Government announced commercial discovery.