Nkumba University, Entebbe – The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) and Nkumba University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in advancing training, skilling, and professional development for students and practitioners in Uganda’s financial and business sectors.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Jude T. Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, and Mrs. Goretti Masadde, Chief Executive Officer of UIBFS, during a ceremony held at Nkumba University.
The partnership will focus on four key areas:
- Joint pipeline training to prepare students to be market-ready
- Practicing applied research
- Joint community engagements to promote financial inclusion
- Grant identification and publicity of programs for both institutions
A key highlight of the collaboration is the rollout of the Foundation Certificate in Banking and Finance, complemented by career guidance and internship placements for students pursuing finance and accounting programs at Nkumba University.
Speaking at the signing, Mrs. Goretti Masadde emphasized the importance of partnerships in building a skilled, future-ready workforce for the financial sector.
“This MoU reflects our commitment at UIBFS not only to train but also to transform and prepare the next generation of professionals. By working with Nkumba University, we are creating pathways for students to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and professional grounding that will make them competitive in the workplace.”
She also referenced the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development’s goal to increase the country’s GDP tenfold, noting that this goal can be achieved by ensuring that staff are well-trained—not only to secure the right jobs but also to create them. She underscored the institute’s mandate to be a center of excellence in financial services training and to accelerate financial inclusion, both of which will be jointly advanced through this collaboration.
Prof. Jude T. Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its significance for students and the broader financial sector.
“This collaboration is a major step in equipping our students with the right skills for the workplace. It is vital that universities collaborate with professional bodies like UIBFS to ensure our graduates are not only academically excellent but also industry-ready.”
Through this MoU, UIBFS and Nkumba University reaffirm their shared vision of strengthening Uganda’s talent pipeline and building a future where academia and industry work hand in hand.
