In a strong demonstration of its commitment to inclusive and transformative
collaboration, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Mountains of the
Moon University (MMU) on Monday, October 27, 2025, hosted a pivotal workshop
engagement under the theme “Enhancing Equitable Partnerships: Interdisciplinary
Research Collaborations.”
The engagement, held at Fort Breeze Hotel in Fort Portal, called together
representatives from leading institutions and development partners to deliberate on
practical ways of building partnerships that are fair, inclusive, and mutually
beneficial.
The workshop was organized under the Strengthening Equitable Partnerships in
International Research Collaboration in Uganda Project (SEPIRCU), jointly
implemented by Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Uganda Martyrs
University, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), and Makerere
University. The project aims to support international research collaboration through
facilitating south-south and south-north partnerships thereby enhancing the capacity
of Ugandan institutions to engage equitably and effectively in global initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Fredrick Mutabaruka, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities
and Social Sciences and representative of the University, expressed gratitude to the
participants and emphasized MMU’s growing role as a connector of institutions and
ideas, highlighting the importance of building networks and partnerships that generate
collective progress.
Prof. Godfrey Asiimwe shared reflections on the value of partnerships within the
humanities and social sciences, noting that effective collaboration is built on
understanding, inclusivity, and progress toward common goals.
In her address titled “The Politics of Partnerships and Their Impact on
Research,”Prof. Josephine Ahikire, who is an Associate Professor in the School of
Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University and Executive Chair of the Centre
for Basic Research (CBR) in Kampala, explored the realities that shape collaborative
engagements and emphasized the need for equity, transparency, and mutual
accountability in all partnership frameworks.
Adding further perspective, Prof. Edmond Kagambe, the DVC in charge of Finance
and Administration at MMU, discussed the dynamics of interdisciplinary partnerships
across the Global North and South as well as among South to South institutions. He
cited successful initiatives that have strengthened cooperation and institutional
capacity across regions.
He particularly highlighted the successful partnership program of the Mobility for
Agriculture International Networks Supporting Thematic Resilience and Enhancing
Adaptation and Mitigation (MAINSTREAM) Project launched in 2024 under the
leadership of Assoc. Prof. Violet Kisakye, which promotes staff and student mobility
among African institutions. The programme has become a model for sustainable
collaboration and regional integration.
Participants through their discussions, expressed optimism that the outcomes of the
workshop will continue to inspire stronger and more equitable collaboration across
Uganda’s higher education and research landscape.
By convening this substantial engagement, Mountains of the Moon University
recapped its place as a proactive and inclusive institution, dedicated to fostering
partnerships that drive meaningful change both locally and internationally.