University as Facilitator Community Based Sustainable Solutions to Demographic Challenges in South Western Uganda

Strengthening Uganda’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: MUST Hosts NSSF for Strategic Collaboration

On Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) made significant progress in supporting youth in Uganda by visiting Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). The event was more than a simple meeting; it signified a collective commitment to fostering opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship and innovation.

The NSSF delegation, led by Mwesigwa David Rwamatungi and accompanied by Julian Rutaro, was warmly welcomed by a dedicated MUST team led by Tumuhimbise Manasseh.

He was joined by Rennie Bakashaba, Sarah Nabachwa, Kababiito Miriam, and Keitesi Aisha, who are key contributors to Subproject 5 under the MUST/IUC UCoBS initiative.

The visit began with a guided tour of the emerging entrepreneurship centre, an ambitious project expected to play a vital role in youth development in Southwestern Uganda. Although still under construction, the centre represents a significant investment in the future: a space where ideas can develop into businesses, research can be applied to real-world problems, and students can gain practical, market-ready skills. Designed as a dynamic hub, it will foster connections between academia and industry, offering mentorship, innovation support, and opportunities for business expansion.

Following the tour, on-site discussions were held where Dr. Tumuhimbise presented the progress and effects of Sub Project 5. The main aim was to enhance youth employment by providing practical entrepreneurship training, fostering innovation, and promoting experiential learning. The Entrepreneurship Centre now serves as a key platform for nurturing start-ups, aiding small and medium enterprises, and bolstering links between the university and industry.

A key highlight of the engagement was exploring collaboration opportunities between MUST and NSSF, particularly through initiatives like Hi-Innovator. The discussion revealed strong goal alignment, with both institutions dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs and bolstering Uganda’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The positive response from NSSF and their openness to collaboration emphasize the potential of this partnership to create lasting change.

More than just talks, the visit signifies a critical move toward establishing sustainable relationships that promote innovation, open new opportunities, and transform communities.

As MUST keeps investing in youth initiatives, this partnership with NSSF clearly shows that when organizations collaborate with a shared purpose, Uganda’s youth future can be both promising and transformative.

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