Bridging Uganda and Belgium to Protect Banana Bunchy Top Virus disease in Uganda

A Bridge to Protect Against Banana Bunchy Top Virus Disease in Uganda

Mobility Exchange at the University of Antwerp

Ms. Patience Ayesiga has completed her 5-month stay at the University of Antwerp; her main focus during this exchange was to analyze the data she had collected.

Subproject 1

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Strengthening Global Ties for Local Impact

Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST) embarked on its annual partnership visit to Belgium under the MUST IUC - UCoBS initiative.

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Technical discussions on infrastructure development at MUST

The Flemish team leader of subproject 6, Mr. Rudy Gevaert, together with the MUST key officials, held discussions on ICT implementation and infrastructural development at MUST.

Tech-preneurship bootcamp

Synergy of MUST UCoBS Project 5 & 6 yields transformative Tech-Preneurship Bootcamp

A growing issue: while computing students create impressive tech prototypes as part of their academic journey, few, if any, go on to commercialize their solutions. It was designed in response to a missed opportunity for both self-employment and community impact.

Subproject 5 & 6

UCoBS Project Goal

To enable sustained improvement in household livelihoods for the Most at Risk Populations through targeted interventions addressing demographic challenges, fostering resilience, and empowering communities for lasting socio-economic advancement in South Western Uganda.

Enhancing MUST's role in community transformation via research and outreach.

The MUST-IUC Partnership, known as UCoBS, is a 10-year collaborative initiative between Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), and Flemish Higher Education Institutions, funded by VLIR UOS. This pioneering project focuses on improving household livelihoods for the Most at Risk Populations (MARPs) in South Western Uganda.

UCoBS features six vital sub-projects, including climate change and food production, renewable energy, sexual and reproductive health, and innovative business entrepreneurship aimed at enhancing youth employability. With a strong emphasis on research, knowledge generation, capacity building, and community outreach, UCoBS aims to foster sustainable solutions and empower communities for positive, lasting change.

Upcoming & Ongoing Activities

Expanding Horizons: DI4D Project Welcomes Mbarara University as 9th Partner

President, Stijn Coenen, signed the final contract with our ninth partner, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, represented by Sheila Niinye and Frederick Kaggwa. This project extends across Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Cuba, bringing together a diverse network of educational and non-educational partners. Stay tuned for more information as we embark on this journey of collaboration and digital innovation.

Bridging Communities for Sustainable Change in Southwestern Uganda

We aim for better and lasting household livelihoods through teamwork, creativity, diverse perspectives, and technology, involving everyone in the community for sustainable solutions.