28 October 2026

Busitema University and A Rocha Uganda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in biodiversity research, environmental conservation and community engagement. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom, Faculty of Engineering, Busitema Campus.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the University and the conservation organisation, opening opportunities for joint research projects, student participation in environmental initiatives and the mobilisation of resources to support conservation activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Busitema University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Waako, welcomed the partnership, noting that the two institutions had already begun working together before formally signing the agreement. He explained that the MoU had undergone review by the Office of the Attorney General as part of the procedures required for agreements involving public institutions.

Prof. Waako commended the Faculty of Science and Education team, led by Associate Professor Edward Andama and represented at the ceremony by Dr. Hannington Ochieng, for initiating the collaboration. He expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute to research and community development, particularly through efforts to promote environmental awareness and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The Vice Chancellor also welcomed A Rocha Uganda's community-oriented approach, recognising its contribution to helping Ugandans better understand and appreciate the natural resources within their country. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to working with the organisation and drew attention to Busitema's multi-campus structure, which provides opportunities for collaboration across different academic disciplines.

A Rocha Uganda's National Director, Sara Kaweesa, welcomed the formalisation of the partnership and expressed optimism about the opportunities it presents for both institutions. She explained that A Rocha Uganda is a Christian conservation organisation committed to protecting nature and promoting sustainable livelihoods through scientific research, environmental education and community participation.

Kaweesa outlined the organisation's work in climate-smart agriculture, energy conservation, biodiversity research, water, sanitation and hygiene, and environmental education. She explained that its activities involve working with communities, particularly young people, to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

She also presented A Rocha Uganda's contribution to biodiversity research, revealing that the organisation has helped publish approximately 30 publicly accessible datasets covering nine forest reserves. These contain information on different plant and animal species, with research activities extending to forests such as Mabira, Mpanga, South Busoga, Luvunya and West Bugwe.

In West Bugwe (Busitema) Forest Reserve, biodiversity surveys have documented 109 bird species, more than 200 butterfly species and a diversity of mammals, snakes, moths, dragonflies and woody plants. Kaweesa also referred to ongoing research involving snakes and primates, identifying further opportunities for scientific investigation.

She expressed interest in working with Busitema University to build on these findings through academic research and student-led initiatives. According to Kaweesa, the partnership could enable students to undertake research projects and dissertations, participate in conservation advocacy and contribute to community activities. She also identified the development of joint research proposals and applications for grants as potential areas of cooperation.

Prof. Waako urged both institutions to ensure that the agreement leads to practical results. He proposed establishing a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from Busitema University and A Rocha Uganda to coordinate activities and monitor progress.

He recommended that the committee work with relevant faculties and hold meetings at least once a year to review achievements, address emerging challenges and plan future activities. The Vice Chancellor cautioned that memoranda of understanding risk remaining unimplemented when institutions fail to follow through on their commitments.

The signing marks a new stage in the relationship between Busitema University and A Rocha Uganda, providing a basis for both institutions to combine academic expertise, field research and community participation in addressing environmental conservation challenges.