Uganda Christian University and The Open University, UK, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen partnership in teaching, research, and innovation.

The UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and Prof. Devendra Kodwani, the Vice Chancellor’s Delegate for International Partnerships at The Open University, signed on behalf of the two institutions on November 25, 2025, in Milton Keynes. The conversations that followed were as energising as the occasion itself—clear evidence of shared purpose and mutual respect.

This MoU opens practical pathways on both sides including;

• Opening of a co-design executive education with residencies in Uganda and at The Open University
• Pilot split-site PhDs with joint supervision
• Expanded access to high-quality digital learning, including virtual STEM laboratories and learner-centered curriculum design.

Additionally, the MoU includes collaboration in the discipline of Law, which will explore an Open Justice model fitted to the Ugandan context, Furthermore, the joint research aspect of this partnership will explore in-depth studies in thematic areas such as inequalities, sustainability, and other human flourishing—areas where both institutions bring strong track records and complementary strengths.

Elated by the development, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. John Kitayimbwa noted that this partner holds tangible benefits for not only staff and students of UCU, but also other UCU stakeholders. “Expect industry-co-created courses that connect learning to real problems, faculty development that raises the bar for teaching and assessment, and affordable, locally relevant programmes that widen participation,” he said.

“We are grateful to Prof. Kodwani and colleagues at The Open University for the warm welcome and thoughtful engagement—and we look forward to getting to work.”