The first visit was to the Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), where the Rector met with the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of MMU. It was a high-level joint mission by VUB staff alongside other Flemish higher education institutions. The official meeting was on 17 April, where MMU armly welcomed the Flemish delegation with local ceremonies. (read on below the picture)
The visit to MMU was in the framework of the VLIR UOS IUC programme. The Flemish partners in the IUC programme are VUB, UGent, KUL, Howest and Thomas More. VLIR UOS's director Kristien Verbrugghen also joined the visit. A dissemination event was organised where the activities and results of the VLIR IUC programme from the past 6 years (2012-2018) were presented. The programme has resulted in some very tangible and visible progress for the young university (MMU was established in 2005).
In addition to these information events, MMU and Flemish key stakeholders were interviewed during a live radio panel discussion. Rector Pauwels and MMU Chancellor Rugumayo and Vice Chancellor Kasenene were panelists alongside other North and South panel experts. MMU radio is one of the milestones in the achievements of the IUC programme. During the visit, the VUB also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MMU, further reinforcing the cooperation between the two universities in education, research and other areas, such as community services. VUB and the other Flemish partners planted friendship trees on the MMU campus, symbolising cooperation and 'heights for progress'! (read on below picture).
After the visit to MMU, the VUB Rector's team went on to see Mbarara University, Makarere University and Kyambogo University to discuss and reinforce future collaborations. At Makarere University, VUB alumni joined the meeting with the Vice Chancellor and later that same afternoon the official launch of the Ugandan Alumni Association was made. At the Belgian Embassy in Uganda, several activities and strategic priorities were finally discussed for the coming period.
A successful trip on all fronts!