Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: Chinese Deputy Ambassador Visits Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) recently took a significant step towards strengthening its connection with China. On June 21, 2024, Minister Counsellor Fan Xuecheng, the Deputy Ambassador of China to Uganda, visited MUST to engage with students and staff.

The visit focused on China’s experience in achieving sustainable peace and development, opening doors for potential future collaborations.

His visit included engaging interactions with students and staff, focusing on China’s journey toward sustainable peace and development.

Enhancing Diplomatic Relations

Accompanied by Ms. Wang Zizhao and Mr. Song Jonpeny from the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, Minister Counsellor Fan Xuecheng was warmly received by Dr. Wendo Mlahagwa Olema, Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (FIS), Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko, the International Relations Officer, and other university officials. This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster educational and cultural exchanges between Uganda and China.

Strengthening Academic Collaborations

Dr. Wendo Olema presented an overview of MUST, emphasizing the university’s strong commitment to community engagement and development. She highlighted the unique interdisciplinary approach of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, combining science and development, and underscored the importance of current and future collaborations with China. She mentioned ongoing projects such as the UNESCO-China Fund in Trust, which focuses on enhancing technical education programs at MUST.

Academic and Administrative Insights

Representing the Academic Registrar, Mr. Solomon Agum outlined the various programs offered at MUST and the global student presence that enriches the university’s academic environment. He emphasized MUST’s readiness to engage in student and staff exchanges, research collaborations, and community engagement with Chinese universities.

Appreciation and Future Prospects

Assistant Professor Vincent Batwala, representing the university’s top management, thanked the Ambassador for his visit and commended the class president and Deputy RCC for their dedication. He highlighted the high quality of teaching and research at MUST, which boasts 96 ongoing projects in collaboration with over 50 partner institutions.

Interactive Dialogue and Future Opportunities

During an interactive session, the Deputy Ambassador expressed his admiration for the professors at MUST who connect science to development. He appreciated the university leadership and students’ eagerness to learn from China’s development journey. He elaborated on China’s focus on human development, which has driven its significant growth and advancement over the past 60 years. The discussions also covered China’s heritage and policies that have helped the nation rise out of poverty and maintain peace.

This visit signifies a robust step towards deepening educational and diplomatic ties between MUST and China, paving the way for future collaborations that will benefit both nations.

Educational and Diplomatic Discussions

The visit was initiated by postgraduate students pursuing a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies, led by their class president, Mr. Agaba Albert, and the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mr. Robert Kanusu. They organized the meeting to deliberate on the Chinese model of sustainable peacebuilding and development. Mr. Kanusu expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador for the visit, highlighting the class’s aspiration to benchmark peacebuilding strategies from China and foster collaborations with Chinese universities.