KIU, Western Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) on Thursday, June 11th, 2026, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kabale University (KAB), marking a significant step in strengthening Uganda’s higher education landscape. The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation in education, research, innovation, institutional capacity building, and community engagement.

Opening the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Eric Mabonga, Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of KIU Western Campus, called for unity and shared purpose. He noted that no institution can ideally stand alone, and emphasized the need to work together to reshape education. “Our partnership will span many areas, but at its heart lies a commitment to producing competent graduates across all programmes,” he said.

Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, VC of KIU, described the signing of the MoU as a proud moment for both institutions. He explained that KIU and KAB have already contributed to reshaping Uganda’s education sector, and formalizing this collaboration will advance the quality of higher education. “Each of us has unique strengths, and this agreement allows us to explore them. When we come together, we can synergize as a team. This should be an active MoU that promotes joint research, among other initiatives,” he remarked.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mundu Mustafa, DVC for Finance and Administration, stressed that the collaboration should not be confined to a single faculty. “This MoU should not be limited to just one Faculty – Engineering,” he said, underscoring the need for inclusivity across disciplines.

Adding his voice, Prof. Patrick Aja Maduabuchi, Director of Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension (RICE), highlighted the opportunities the partnership presents. “Together, we can benefit from grants, joint research, innovation, and supervision. There is so much we can achieve collectively,” he observed.

Representing KAB, Peacet Tindyebwa, Deputy University Secretary, emphasized the operational and legal strength of the agreement. “This is going to be an operational and legal MoU. Let us build on our strengths to lift each other,” she said.

Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Muhwezi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at KAB, reflected on the long-standing cooperation between the two institutions. “This partnership has existed informally for a long time, and today we are making it official. All lecturers from Engineering at both universities are interchangeably needed at all levels,” he noted.

The MoU outlines cooperation in four major areas:

• Research Capacity and Resource Mobilization – training in grant writing, proposal development, budgeting, and strengthening research governance.
• Joint Research and Graduate Training – collaborative projects, co?authored publications, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and shared academic events.
• Academic Exchange and Professional Development – student exchanges, short courses, joint and dual degree programmes, and development of electronic learning materials.
• Facilities and Technical Expertise – sharing laboratories, workshops, libraries, and advisory services across faculties.

To ensure effective implementation, KIU and KAB will establish a Joint Steering Committee composed of representatives from both institutions. The committee will oversee activities, develop action plans, and meet at least once every semester to review progress, address challenges, and make recommendations.

This MoU is more than a formal agreement—it is a commitment to shared growth, innovation, and excellence. By leveraging their unique strengths and resources, KIU and KAB reaffirm their dedication to producing competent graduates, advancing research and innovation, and contributing meaningfully to national development.