Busitema University joined representatives from Ugandan and United States universities at a round table meeting held on 4 August 2026 at the American Center in Kampala, with discussions focused on how university partnerships can move beyond signed agreements to deliver practical and lasting results.

Held under the theme “Beyond MOUs: Building Meaningful US-Uganda University Partnerships,” the meeting brought together representatives from 10 Ugandan universities in person, while several universities from the United States joined virtually. Busitema University was represented by Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro and Ms Harriet Nabirye.

One of the key messages was that strong university partnerships are often built gradually. Participants were encouraged to begin with areas such as joint curriculum development, joint degree awards and staff exchange, allowing institutions to understand each other and build trust before moving into research collaborations that may take longer to show impact.

The meeting also pointed to opportunities for collaboration in education, climate and health, with a number of US universities reported to be seeking partnerships with institutions in Uganda. Participants were also informed that the American Embassy could support efforts to connect universities interested in working together.

Attention was also given to how such partnerships can be financed and sustained. Different models of attracting funding were discussed, alongside the need for institutions to identify shared interests from the beginning. Sustainable financing was highlighted as particularly important, with participants noting that some collaborations have ended after funding could no longer be maintained.

The meeting therefore placed as much emphasis on choosing the right partner as it did on securing an agreement. Matching academic and institutional interests, building trust and identifying realistic areas of cooperation were presented as important foundations for partnerships that can grow over time.

At Busitema University, Ms Harriet Nabirye will serve as the contact person for researchers and academic staff interested in identifying universities in the United States for possible collaboration.

The opportunity now lies in turning those connections into working relationships, beginning with areas where both institutions can contribute and allowing stronger academic, exchange and research collaborations to develop from there.