Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) and Bridge Institute of Information Technology, Fort Portal on Monday 26th February 2024 at MMU Boardroom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The purpose of the MoU is to facilitate collaboration between MMU and BIIT in different areas of mutual interest.
On one side was MMU led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pius C. Achanga flanked by the Senior Legal Officer Dixon Byaruhanga and other Top University Management Members, and on the other side was BIIT led by Hon. Beatrice Kiraso (Board Chair, BIIT), Hon. Alex Ruhunda (Director – BIIT) and Edna Karamagi (Chief Executive Officer – BIIT). Others to witness the signing were Director ICT Dr. Francis Otto, Dean of Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Edwin Akugizibwe, Director of Planning and Investment William Ndoleriire, and the Director for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovations all of MMU.
The collaboration agreed upon as signed includes: developing a hub and implementation of technologies, innovations, projects for automation, value addition and industrialization and processing; teaching professional courses; retooling staff and community on the latest technology trends that practically impact the economy; blending online resources for outreach, smart city solutions, tourism and other global citizens specialized needs; teaching; working out any other areas of mutual benefits, such as projects, innovations, technologies, research and professional certifications; deepening the understanding and implement solutions on the economic, cultural, social, technological and environmental issues affecting society; building networks and linking each other to potential funders, donors and other institutions with similar objectives for support and growth; championing inclusive ICT transformation that caters for needs of PWDs and other vulnerable communities; and cooperation on internship and recess programs.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pius C. Achanga applauded and appreciated BIIT leadership for initiating the idea of collaboration as this will go a long way in solving societal issues related to ICT among others.
“We were heavily involved during the consultations and I find this collaboration mutually beneficial to both parties,” said Dr. Edwin Akugizibwe, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Hon. Beatrice Kiraso, BIIT Board Chairperson indicated that one of the tools to take advantage of in the IT space and provide practical solutions to societies is through partnerships adding that BIIT had already partnered with the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) among others.
Hon. Alex Ruhunda, Director of BIIT explained that the idea of such initiatives is aimed at providing practical solutions through closing knowledge gaps and this can only be done together. He further said they can only help the young City of Fort Portal to grow by supporting it with creativities as a smart city.
For purposes of coordination, the Dean Faculty of Science, Technology, and Innovations Dr. Edwin Akugizibwe has been designed as the coordinator on behalf of MMU, and Edina Karamagi the BIIT Chief Executive Officer is designated as the Coordinator on behalf of BIIT.
Written by: Willie Brens Wambedde