LUBLIN, POLAND
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, Poland, formally signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three leading universities from the Republic of Uganda – Kabale University (KAB), Uganda Christian University (UCU), and Clarke International University (CIU). The agreements aim to deepen academic collaboration, promote joint research, and strengthen educational and cultural ties between Poland and Uganda.
The official signing ceremony was attended by Dr. hab. Prof. Radosław Dobrowolski and Dr. hab. Prof. Dorota Kołodyńska, Rectors of UMCS; H.E. Amb. Stephen Mubiru, Ambassador of Uganda accredited to Poland, and Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University. Prof. Mushengyezi was accompanied by Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation at UCU, and Ms. Jessica Namuddu, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Uganda in Germany. Also present from UMCS were Dr. hab. Prof. Katarzyna Marzęda-Młynarska, Deputy Head of the Institute of International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism; Mr. Robert Ainebyona, Head of the Ugandan Community in Lublin; and members of the university staff.
Two partner universities in Uganda, Kabale University and Clarke International University, participated remotely. They were represented by Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, Vice-Chancellor of Kabale University, and Prof. Rose Clarke Nanyonga, Vice-Chancellor of Clarke International University, together with members of their respective administrative teams. In his opening remarks, Prof. Radosław Dobrowolski, Rector of UMCS, underscored the strategic importance of international partnerships in higher education. He noted that such collaborations advance research and innovation, foster academic excellence, and strengthen intercultural understanding.
In his address, Ambassador Stephen Mubiru highlighted the longstanding relations between Uganda and Poland, emphasizing that this partnership provides a strong foundation for deeper cooperation across academia, investment, and culture. He commended UMCS and the City of Lublin for their continued hospitality towards Ugandan and East African students and scholars.
The Rectors from the Ugandan universities expressed their commitment to internationalisation and highlighted the significance of the MoUs in enhancing research capacity, promoting academic mobility, and addressing global challenges. They also applauded the Institute of International Relations at UMCS and the Embassy of Uganda for initiating and sustaining academic linkages between Lublin and Ugandan institutions.
Under the terms of the MoUs, the universities will collaborate in several key areas, including student and staff mobility to promote cross-cultural learning and professional development, joint research projects and publications to advance innovation and knowledge exchange, conferences, seminars, and workshops to facilitate scholarly dialogue, and exchange of academic materials and information to expand access to educational resources.
The signing of these agreements marks a significant milestone in the internationalization of higher education at UMCS, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to global academic collaboration. Through this partnership, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kabale University, Uganda Christian University, and Clarke International University reaffirm their shared vision of building bridges between continents, advancing research, and contributing to sustainable educational development.
