Kabale University Hosts TUZVO Delegation to Expand Research, Innovation and Academic Exchange

Kabale University has reaffirmed its commitment to internationalization and academic excellence by hosting a high-level delegation from the Technical University of Zvolen (TUZVO), Slovakia, to review the progress of the ongoing Erasmus+ collaboration and explore new opportunities for research, innovation, and academic exchange.

The strategic meeting, held in the University Boardroom, was chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Johnny Mugisha, and brought together representatives from Kabale University, the Technical University of Zvolen, and the Mushroom Training and Resource Centre (MTRC). Nick Kanyesigye, the Marketing and Branding Officer from the Communications, Marketing and Branding Department, presented the background of Kabale University to the delegates.

Since the partnership was established in 2022 under the Erasmus+ program, the collaboration has delivered significant outcomes that continue to strengthen the academic and research capacities of the participating institutions. To date, the partnership has facilitated six exchange visits by Ugandan teams to Slovakia and six reciprocal visits by TUZVO delegations to Uganda, benefiting academic staff and postgraduate students through international exposure, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research.

The meeting highlighted key achievements realized through the partnership, including ongoing joint research projects on mushrooms and ambrosia beetles in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Echuya Central Forest Reserve, the development of a PhD program in Environment within the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and progress towards establishing Kabale University’s Field Research Station, Botanical Garden, and Herbarium in Echuya Central Forest Reserve. This was high lighted by Ass.Prof. Bamwerinde Mwetonde Wilson the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Kabale University.

Other notable achievements include strengthened collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA), curriculum development in Integrated Forestry and Applied Zoology, internship opportunities for students, postgraduate supervision, and scholarship support for doctoral studies.

Speaking during the meeting, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to leveraging the partnership to promote high-impact research, innovation, environmental conservation, and capacity building. They also explored opportunities to jointly pursue international funding through Erasmus+ and other global research programs, while expanding staff and student mobility, technology transfer, and collaborative academic programs.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Johnny Mugisha commended the progress achieved through the Erasmus+ collaboration, noting that international partnerships remain central to Kabale University’s vision of becoming a globally competitive institution in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by Kabale University, the Technical University of Zvolen, and the Mushroom Training and Resource Centre to deepen their collaboration in pursuit of sustainable solutions, academic excellence, and transformative research that addresses local and global challenges.

Event Photos