On 19th July 2026, the MUST Entrepreneurship Centre welcomed a special visitor Prof. Frederik D’hulster, Rector of Howest University of Applied Sciences (Howest UAS), Belgium, together with his family, for a milestone visit aimed at reflecting on progress, celebrating achievements, and exploring opportunities to strengthen the partnership between Howest UAS and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) under the MUST-IUC Programme.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the transformation journey of UCoBS Sub-Project 5: Youth Employability and Empowerment, while exploring how innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer can continue creating meaningful impact among students, entrepreneurs, and communities surrounding MUST.
The Rector was warmly welcomed by a delegation from MUST-IUC alongside the university leadership, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Associate Professor Robert Bitariho; MUST Procurement Officer, Mr. Aggrey Amanyabyoona; and MUST International Relations Officer, Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko. The delegation was led by Dr. Medard Twinamasiko, representing the MUST-IUC Project Local Coordinator.
Following introductions, the delegation toured the MUST Entrepreneurship Centre, guided by Dr. Manasseh Tumuhimbise, UCoBS Sub-Project 5 Team Leader, together with Dr. Medard Twinamasiko. The visit provided a glimpse into the progress of the centre, which is currently at approximately 80% completion. Appreciating the progress, Rector Frederik committed additional support towards furnishing the centre to enable it to begin full operations.
He emphasized the importance of establishing the centre as a sustainable innovation hub that will provide young entrepreneurs with access to business support services, mentorship, and opportunities to transform ideas into viable enterprises.
Celebrating the MUST-IUC Journey and Impact
During the engagement, Dr. Medard shared the broader journey of the MUST-IUC Programme, from its initial conceptualization to the achievements registered across the six thematic areas: Environment and Natural Resourcesm, Climate Change Adaptation, Affordable Energy Technology, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Youth Employability and Empowerment, ICT Capacity Building.
He highlighted the programme’s contribution to strengthening research capacity, with over 19 PhD and Master’s students supported through research activities, improving digital infrastructure at MUST through enhanced laboratory facilities and internet capacity, and creating community impact through interventions such as the Batwa community empowerment initiatives in Bwindi.
The team also reflected on the continued work required in the next phase to deepen sustainability, expand partnerships, and increase the reach of innovations generated through the programme.
Turning Education into Enterprise: The UCoBS Sub-Project 5 Story
Dr. Manasseh Tumuhimbise shared the remarkable journey of UCoBS Sub-Project 5, whose mission is “increasing youth employability through skilling, experiential learning, and technology transfer” transforming education into enterprise.
The project journey has focused on strengthening entrepreneurship capacity through: Training and equipping 12 entrepreneurship mentors, Introducing experiential entrepreneurship bootcamps adapted from Howest’s approaches, Establishing innovation infrastructure, including the MUST Entrepreneurship Centre, Supporting research, partnerships, and technology transfer, Strengthening innovation and enterprise support systems
The results have been significant. Through the project, 29 entrepreneurship bootcamps have been conducted, reaching 1,972 participants, with strong gender inclusion achieved. Entrepreneurship has also been integrated across faculties, enabling students from different disciplines to develop entrepreneurial mindsets.
The project has further supported student innovation through events such as Entrefest, where emerging entrepreneurs showcase their products and solutions, while practicum approaches have been strengthened through mentor capacity building.
A major milestone has also been the development of partnerships, including an MoU with Howest UAS to establish an Industrial Training Hub aimed at equipping students with practical skills required to maintain industrial machinery.
In addition, the YEAH platform has been developed as a digital space to document, share, and amplify the impact stories and activities emerging from the project.
A Shared Vision for the Future
In his remarks, Rector Frederik appreciated the progress achieved and emphasized the need to institutionalize the Entrepreneurship Centre to ensure long-term sustainability beyond the project period.
He encouraged young people to embrace creativity and innovation as tools for solving community challenges, noting that universities have a responsibility to create pathways where ideas can become impactful solutions.
He further emphasized that partnerships between Flemish and Ugandan institutions should continue to be built on equality, collaboration, and mutual learning. He pledged continued support, particularly for future exchanges between MUST and Howest, including opportunities for students and mentors to engage in virtual collaborations and knowledge sharing.
The visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the Howest delegation by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration as a token of appreciation for the continued partnership.
Associate Professor Robert Bitariho reaffirmed MUST’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Howest, particularly in emerging technology areas such as robotics, data science, and artificial intelligence. He pledged continued support from the university leadership towards initiatives that advance innovation, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
Building the Future of Innovation Together
The visit marked more than a courtesy engagement, it was a celebration of what collaborative partnerships can achieve. From empowering young entrepreneurs and strengthening research capacity to building innovation ecosystems, the MUST-IUC Programme continues to demonstrate that when universities work together, they can create solutions that extend far beyond campus boundaries.
The journey from education to enterprise continues, with the MUST Entrepreneurship Centre positioned as a catalyst for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.