Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) has signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aquaculture Community Initiative in Kyoga (ACIK), establishing a strategic partnership aimed at advancing sustainable aquaculture, strengthening research and innovation, and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The agreement, signed on 30 October 2026, provides a framework for collaboration in aquaculture research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and the development of practical solutions to challenges affecting the aquaculture sector.
The partnership builds on an earlier engagement initiated during the visit of the MMU’s first Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Davey, whose engagement with ACIK was supported by Mr. Martin Hawkes and Prof. Victor Friedman from Israel. The visit, which included field engagements with communities of Eastern Uganda, opened important conversations about how MMU could extend its research and knowledge transfer activities to support socioeconomic development.
Speaking at the signing, the Vice Chancellor of MMU, Prof. Pius Coxwell Achanga, emphasised the importance of partnerships that connect university research with the needs of society. He noted that collaboration with organizations working directly with communities provides an opportunity for the University to translate research and academic knowledge into practical solutions that improve livelihoods.
“Universities have a responsibility to ensure that the knowledge generated through research responds to the needs of society. This partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen the connection between academic research and community development, particularly in the aquaculture sector,” he said.
ACIK Executive Director Edmond Okello said the five-year partnership with Mountains of the Moon University would strengthen research and knowledge exchange to address challenges affecting aquaculture communities. He further noted that the collaboration would support joint research, baseline studies, enumerator training, establishment of demonstration sites, and monitoring of water quality and fish health.
“Through this five-year partnership, we look forward to working closely with Mountains of the Moon University to generate knowledge and develop practical solutions to the challenges facing aquaculture communities. Our collaboration will strengthen research, build capacity through training, establish demonstration sites, and promote better monitoring of water quality and fish health to support sustainable aquaculture development.
ACIK is a community-based organisation established by fisher folk living around Lake Kyoga in Eastern Uganda. The organisation was formed in response to declining fish populations and the resulting challenges faced by fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on the lake. ACIK seeks to make the benefits of aquaculture accessible to smallholder farmers and fishing communities by providing practical training, technical support and opportunities to establish sustainable fish farming enterprises.
Through the five-year agreement, the two institutions will work together to strengthen research, promote sustainable aquaculture practices and create opportunities for knowledge exchange and community development.
As the collaboration takes shape, MMU and ACIK look forward to building a productive relationship that contributes to sustainable fish farming, improved community livelihoods and the continued advancement of aquaculture in Uganda.