Mbarara University of Science and Technology has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Children’s Surgical Hospital aimed at strengthening collaboration in pediatric surgical care, research, and specialized medical training.

The agreement marks a significant step toward improving child healthcare services while expanding hands-on clinical learning opportunities for medical students in Uganda.

Strengthening Pediatric Care, Research, and Training

The partnership is designed to enhance surgical excellence and improve health outcomes for children through joint efforts in, pediatric surgical care, medical research, and specialized training.

According to the agreement, the collaboration will bridge academic expertise with real-world clinical practice, ensuring students gain exposure to advanced surgical environments.

Ministry of Health Pledges Support

Dr. Charles Olaro pledged the Ministry of Health’s full commitment during the signing ceremony.

He emphasized that the partnership between academic institutions and specialized hospitals will significantly improve pediatric outcomes and strengthen medical training systems in the country.

Regional Surgical Expertise and Hospital Vision

During the engagement, Giacomo Menaldo welcomed Mbarara University of Science and Technology into the hospital’s wider regional network.

He highlighted the hospital’s operations across multiple African countries, including Burundi, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Chad, and Ethiopia.

He also outlined key focus areas of surgical care, including, Birth defects and gastrointestinal abnormalities, Urological and gynecological conditions, Cheiloschisis (cleft lip and palate), and General pediatric surgical conditions.

Academic Leadership Calls for Expanded Collaboration

Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the Children’s Surgical Hospital for selecting MUST as a partner in the initiative.

She also proposed expanding the collaboration beyond surgery to include disciplines such as radiology, biomedical engineering, physiotherapy, and other medical specialties to broaden student training opportunities.

Prof. Byakika-Kibwika further commended the hospital’s strong infection prevention and control (IPC) systems, noting the facility’s world-class standards and maintenance.

Strong Academic Team Behind the Partnership

The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by a multidisciplinary leadership team from MUST, including, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi – Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Dr. Elias Kumbakumba – Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Peter Kalubi – Head of Pediatrics & Surgery, Dr. Felix Onyania – Head of Surgery / Pediatric Surgeon, and Ms. Angella Nakato Muyingo – Senior Communications Officer

The team emphasized a unified commitment to strengthening academic excellence and advancing specialized medical training.

A Milestone for Pediatric Healthcare in Uganda

The MOU represents a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to improve child healthcare services while strengthening medical education through practical exposure.

By combining academic expertise from Mbarara University of Science and Technology with specialized clinical services at Children’s Surgical Hospital, the partnership is expected to significantly enhance pediatric surgical capacity in Uganda and the wider region.