Fort Portal (UGNEWSLINE) – Tooro Kingdom and Mountains of the Moon University are exploring a partnership aimed at expanding educational opportunities for young people and supporting development in agriculture, tourism and environmental conservation.
Tooro Kingdom leaders held talks with Mountains of the Moon University to strengthen cooperation in research, education and skills development, with a focus on creating opportunities for communities across the kingdom.
The meeting, led by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki and other kingdom officials, brought together the leadership of the university, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pius Amooti Achanga, to discuss a proposed framework for closer collaboration.
The discussions centred on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intended to guide joint initiatives in areas including agriculture, tourism, environmental sciences and community development.
A key priority is expanding access to education for young people in Tooro, with the two institutions exploring possible scholarship opportunities for talented and deserving students.
Rwomiire Akiiki said the proposed partnership presented an opportunity to connect the university’s academic expertise with the kingdom’s development priorities, potentially opening new pathways for young people and strengthening local communities.
“The opportunities that can come from this relationship are countless, and this partnership is long overdue,” he said.
He added that collaboration between the two institutions could help translate research and knowledge into practical interventions in areas such as environmental conservation, tourism development, community enterprise and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The partnership is also expected to explore how the university can contribute to the kingdom’s wider development agenda through research-based solutions and initiatives tailored to the needs of local communities.
For Tooro Kingdom, the discussions represent an opportunity to draw on the university’s research and educational resources to support sustainable development while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Rwomiire Akiiki said he hoped the engagement would lead to tangible results, particularly for young people seeking access to education, skills and opportunities to participate in the region’s economic development.
“I look forward to seeing this partnership move from commitment to action,” he said.
The proposed collaboration signals a shared ambition to strengthen links between higher education and community development, although its impact will depend on how the commitments are translated into practical programmes and opportunities for the people of Tooro.
