Kabale university has launched a shs218.85million Centre for Competence for Digital Excellence (C-CODE) project as part of the initiatives aimed at building the necessary infrastructure to produce quality educational content and pedagogical aspects of digital educating in the Kigezi sub region and Africa at large.
The initiative marks Kabale University as one of the six universities in Africa to forge a partnership with Switzerland-based Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne ( EPFL) and Morocco-based University Mohammed VI Polytechnique, with the shared objective of enhancing digital learning and educative across the continent.
The project was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by the involved parties on May 18th 2021.
Despite 44 universities in Africa vying for this partnership, only six including Kabale University succeeded.
Under the ambit of the Centre of Competence in Digital Education project, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPEL) has set up an E-learning laboratory at Kabale university, complete with a multimedia studio and state of the art information Technology equipment.
Robert Tumusiime, a senior E-learning officer at Kabale University highlighted the lab's potential to streamline education for students, working professionals seeking further education and university staff members involved in teaching.
Professor Joy Kwesiga , the vice chancellor of the university said ,"The project benefits for learners particularly primary school teachers mandated by government to progress to higher grade levels despite limited salaries."
She is optimistic that the project will lead to increase of university enrollment.
Nicholas Kamara, the Kabale municipality member of parliament highlighted that the initiative of E-learning is much welcome since it is the future of education, economics and the country as well.
He noted that most of the rich men across the globe, they have become rich because of Information Technology.
“As parliament, we are much in support when it comes to IT development. I am optimistic that the project will not only help Kabale but also Kigezi sub region as a whole.”
Brain Masiga,the CEO of Renu Mesh representing Nicholas Mbinimpa,CEO OF Research and Education Network for Uganda noted remarkable enhancement in the university’s connectivity since partnering with Renu.
Masiga expressed confidence that the project would narrow the digital divide in education and connectivity to students and staff off campus.
