education 2 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mbale Industrial Park Collaborates with Universities to Boost Science Student Training
Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has partnered with five higher learning institutions to provide practical training for science students, aiming to enhance employability and foster innovation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/universities-mbale-park-partner-to-train-science-students-5544872
Five leading Ugandan universities and technical colleges have joined forces with the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park to offer science students invaluable hands-on experience. This initiative is set to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the modern industrial sector.
The participating institutions include Busitema University, Kyambogo University, Sogavi College of Technology Kumi, Uganda Technical College Elgon (UTC Elgon), and the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
The inaugural cohort of students involved in the program are focusing on critical engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and cement engineering. This practical exposure is designed to equip them with the skills necessary to excel in their future careers and contribute to Uganda’s industrial growth.
Ms Linus Nasimiyu, Principal Education Officer for Mbale City, highlighted the program’s significance in producing graduates who are more competitive in the job market. She noted that the collaboration provides students with access to advanced equipment and research facilities, creating opportunities to develop solutions for real-world industrial and community challenges.
Mr Laurent Zhang, Administration Manager at Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, confirmed that over 100 students have already commenced their training in various factories within the park. The program aims to create jobs, develop local talent through technology and management transfer, and transform theoretical knowledge into practical production skills. The park, established in 2018, hosts 85 factories and currently employs over 14,000 individuals.
Mr Shen Xingying, Director of Timber Paper Industries, encouraged students to view their internships as the beginning of their professional journeys, emphasizing their role as key players in Uganda’s industrialization efforts. The partnership promises to deepen school-industry collaboration, expand internship opportunities, and facilitate a smooth transition from education to employment for promising students.