Uganda Christian University (UCU) is exploring a partnership with Chinese automobile manufacturer Double Q that could give its students opportunities for internships, practical training and employment in Uganda’s growing automotive industry.

The development follows a visit by a Double Q team to the university in Mukono on Thursday, where discussions focused on linking students and staff to the company’s operations and technology.

The partnership is expected to give students an opportunity to visit and interact with an automobile assembly plant, allowing them to gain practical knowledge beyond what they learn in the classroom.
Speaking about the proposed partnership, UCU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said the arrangement would benefit both the university and the Chinese company.

“The main purpose of this partnership is to give an opportunity to our students and staff to interact with an assembly plant,” he said.
Double Q, which has traditionally been involved in the manufacture of heavy machinery, including Sinotruk trucks, has in recent years expanded into the production of smaller luxury vehicles.
For the company, working with UCU provides an opportunity to identify and train young professionals who could eventually join its workforce.

The company is particularly interested in tapping into the university’s academic community to develop students with knowledge of Chinese automotive technology, and on the other hand, the partnership could open opportunities beyond automotive and engineering programmes.
Students studying accounting, human resource management, business and office administration could also benefit from internships and practical experience at the company.

They could be exposed to areas such as accounting, human resource management, office supervision and administration, while those pursuing technology-related programmes would gain exposure to automobile and manufacturing technology.
The proposed arrangement could also create a link between internships and employment, with students gaining familiarity with the company’s operations before completing their studies.
“The same group of students, once they graduate, can go into the industry because they are now familiar with the technology,” Prof. Miria Mutabazi, Head of Research, Grants and Innovation, said.

The partnership could also expose students to Uganda’s earth-moving machinery sector, which remains relatively untapped despite the country’s growing construction and infrastructure needs.

Compiled by: Andrew Bugembe