MMU Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan, Sets Course for Growth and National Impact
Mountains of the Moon University has officially launched its five-year Strategic Plan (2025/2026–2029/2030), marking a decisive step in shaping the institution’s future as a public university.
The launch, held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Lake Saaka Campus in Fort Portal Tourism City, convened together members of the University Council and Top University Management, government representatives, staff, students, and key stakeholders.
In remarks delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs and Outreaches on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Coxwell Achanga described the plan as more than a formal document, calling it a clear path that will guide the university’s growth over the next five years. He noted that since transitioning from a private to a public institution in 2022, the university now carries a greater duty to provide quality education, relevant research, and meaningful contribution to national development.
The Strategic Plan sets a clear direction anchored in its Vision of becoming a centre of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement for sustainable development, and its Mission to provide innovative, transformative education, research, and community engagement for socio-economic transformation. The plan is driven by a central Theme of partnering with industry, government, and communities to deliver education and research that directly responds to national and societal needs.
Central to the plan is a strong call for collaboration, with the university aiming to produce graduates equipped with practical, job-ready skills through strengthened linkages with key sectors.
Prof. Achanga highlighted that the plan is built on four key priorities: improving teaching and training, strengthening partnerships and research, enhancing governance systems, and promoting self-sustainability. These priorities are supported by structured interventions and activities designed to ensure steady and accountable implementation within available resources.
Chairperson of the University Council, Eng. Dr. Ben Manyindo, in remarks delivered by Vice Chairperson Mr. Robert Odok Oceng emphasized that the Strategic Plan aligns with Uganda’s broader development agenda under Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV).
He noted that the university aims to position itself not only as a centre of learning but also as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact. He further stressed the need for strong cooperation between the university, industry, and surrounding communities to ensure that the institution’s presence brings tangible benefits.
The council also called for collective responsibility in implementing the plan, urging all faculties and administrative units to take ownership through clear action plans aligned with the overall strategy.
Presenting key highlights of the plan, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Assoc. Prof. Kagambe Edmond, through the Director of Planning, Investment and Resource Mobilisation, Ndolerire William, explained that the Strategic Plan is fully aligned with national planning frameworks.
He confirmed that the plan has already received approval from the National Planning Authority, with a certificate of compliance issued in October 2025.
The plan sets out four strategic objectives, 14 interventions, 39 action areas, and 187 specific activities to be implemented across the university. Each faculty and administrative unit has also developed its own implementation plan to ensure that the strategy is carried out effectively at all levels.
Kasule Samuel, Senior Planner for Education at the National Planning Authority, stressed the importance of aligning university training with national development needs. He noted that higher education institutions play a key role in building a skilled workforce capable of driving Uganda’s economic transformation.
He urged the university to strengthen practical training, expand science and technology programs, and deepen collaboration with industry to address skills gaps and improve graduate employability.
Kasule also pointed to the need for innovation, community engagement, and sustainable financing, noting that the success of the Strategic Plan will depend on disciplined execution, strong partnerships, and effective resource mobilization.
The university estimates that full implementation of the plan will require significant funding, with efforts underway to explore partnerships, income-generating activities, and other financing approaches to bridge resource gaps.
With this strategic plan now in motion, Mountains of the Moon University has set a clear direction aimed at strengthening academic excellence, expanding research, and deepening its role in community and national development.
Story By: Brens Willie Wambedde & Joab