Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Psalms Food Industries aimed at strengthening practical training, research and innovation while equipping students with skills demanded by the job market.
The partnership, signed this week at the university's main campus, seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice by giving students opportunities for hands-on training within the food processing industry.
University leaders said the collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on practical, industry-focused education to ensure graduates leave university with both academic knowledge and workplace experience.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the partnership would help address challenges facing practical training, particularly limited access to modern industrial equipment.
"While we appreciate the strides the government is taking to bolster the agricultural sector, there remains a persistent gap in the availability of adequate industrial machinery to bridge the divide for our students," Ssali said.
She said the agreement would enable students to access Psalms Food Industries' production facilities and technology, complementing the practical training offered in university laboratories.
Psalms Food Industries Chief Executive Officer Denis Ngabirano described the partnership as an investment in innovation and Uganda's future workforce.
"We are essentially inviting the best and brightest minds to help us navigate the future," Ngabirano said.
"The corporate world requires the agility and fresh perspectives that students bring, particularly in business analytics, research and technical problem-solving. We are eager to tap into the brilliant academic talent coming out of this institution."
Ngabirano said the collaboration goes beyond recruitment, arguing that stronger partnerships between universities and industry are essential to addressing youth unemployment and ensuring graduates possess skills relevant to employers' needs.
He urged more private sector companies to establish similar partnerships with higher education institutions to better align academic training with the evolving demands of industry.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will focus on three key areas over the next five years.
Students will undertake structured industrial placements that contribute to their academic programmes while gaining practical workplace experience.
The university and the company will also collaborate on research projects aimed at solving challenges in food science, manufacturing and industrial management.
In addition, industry experts will conduct specialised workshops and skills development programmes to expose students to technical competencies that are not always covered in conventional university curricula.
University officials said the partnership is expected to strengthen innovation, enhance graduate employability and deepen collaboration between academia and the private sector.
The agreement comes as universities increasingly seek closer ties with industry to produce graduates equipped with practical skills needed to support Uganda's industrialisation and economic growth.
