Busitema University, Marine Police Explore Strategic Partnership to Advance Uganda's Maritime Sector

Busitema University's ambitious plans to establish a Maritime Institute received a major boost on Friday, 17th July 2026 after the Uganda Police Force's Marine Police expressed interest in partnering with the University to strengthen maritime education, professional training and research in Uganda.

The proposed collaboration, discussed during a high-level meeting at the University's main campus, is expected to support the development of industry-driven academic programmes while creating opportunities for Marine Police officers to earn internationally recognised qualifications that complement their extensive operational experience.

The engagement brought together senior officers from the Marine Police, led by Commissioner of Police Sulaiman Kirungi, and Busitema University's management, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Saphiina Biira, alongside heads of department from engineering and marine-related disciplines.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Biira said Busitema University is committed to developing academic programmes that respond to national development priorities and emerging industry needs.

She revealed that the University is developing about 15 maritime-related academic programmes designed to equip graduates with globally recognised competencies while supporting the growth of Uganda's maritime and inland water transport sectors.

"The proposed programmes will provide internationally recognised academic qualifications while addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the maritime industry," she said.

Commissioner Kirungi described the proposed programmes as a timely intervention that will strengthen the professional capacity of the Marine Police.

He noted that although the Marine Police has accumulated decades of practical expertise since its establishment in 1995, many officers lack formal academic qualifications required to validate their competencies at the international level.

"Our officers have the practical knowledge and experience to execute marine operations comparable to international standards, but academic certification remains a missing link. This partnership will bridge that gap and enhance our professional standing," he said.

He explained that the Marine Police plays a critical role in crime prevention, intelligence-led operations, surveillance, search and rescue, investigations and community policing across Uganda's water bodies.

The Commissioner also highlighted the wealth of experience within the force, citing officers who have spent more than a decade in maritime policing but whose expertise has not been matched by specialised academic training.

Director of the Maritime Institute, Prof. Waiswa Wilson Mwanja, said the proposed partnership demonstrates growing confidence in Busitema University's vision of becoming a leading centre for maritime education and innovation.

He acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the Uganda Police Force, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Uganda Railways Corporation, Lake Victoria Logistics and SECO Marine, whose contributions continue to shape the development of the University's maritime programmes.

Prof. Mwanja said the proposed programmes will cover a broad range of specialised fields, including Inland Navigation, Boat and Ship Building, Repair and Maintenance, Marine Production Science, Mining in Water Bodies, and pharmaceutical products derived from aquatic plants.

He expressed optimism that the Maritime Institute at Namasagali Campus will become operational by December this year, subject to completion of the required approval processes.

The meeting concluded with both institutions agreeing to begin the process of formalising their partnership through a collaborative framework. Once concluded, the partnership is expected to enable Marine Police officers to enrol in Busitema University's maritime programmes while strengthening practical training, research, innovation and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

The collaboration marks another milestone in Busitema University's drive to develop specialised academic programmes that respond to national priorities and position the institution at the forefront of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development.