Uganda’s industrial sector is evolving rapidly, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) is leading the way in bridging the gap between academia and industry through its Industrial Technology Competence Hub (ITH). Spearheaded by MUST/IUC UCoBS Subproject 5, this initiative is run in partnership with AP University of Belgium, equipping young professionals with hands-on automation skills to enhance their employability. In February 2025, the program trained 20 technicians at Nile Breweries Jinja and 17 at Coca-Cola Namamve, offering in-depth sessions on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Siemens’ TIA-Portal software, widely used in industrial automation. Participants gained real-world problem-solving skills, boosting productivity and confidence in operating automated systems.
Beyond training, ITH is fostering strong academia-industry partnerships. Senior management teams from Nile Breweries Limited and Coca-Cola Beverages Africa engaged in discussions on formalizing collaborations through MOUs, expanding internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and developing sustainable skill-building programs. According to Dr. Tumuhimbise Manasseh, “This initiative is more than just training—it’s about preparing Uganda’s workforce for the digital age and strengthening our industrial competitiveness.”
With its transformative impact, ITH is set to expand, bringing more industry partners on board, offering advanced workshops, and aligning academic curricula with real-world industry needs. The future of Uganda’s industrial workforce is being shaped right now—where education meets innovation, and skills turn into opportunities.
