Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, Poland, has formally signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three universities from the Republic of Uganda —Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kabale University (KAB) and Clarke International University (CIU).

These agreements establish a comprehensive framework for academic cooperation and mutual exchange, promoting shared goals in research, innovation, and education. They also reflect the commitment to deepen academic and cultural relations between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Uganda.

During an address to commemorate the alliance, the UMCS Rector, Prof. Radosław Dobrowolski, emphasized the strategic importance of international partnerships in higher education, noting that such collaborations foster academic excellence, advance research innovation, and strengthen intercultural understanding.

The Uganda Ambassador to Poland, H.E. Amb. Stephen Mubiru, in attendance, not only reflected on the historic relationship between Uganda and Poland, but also emphasized the need for the partnership to serve as a foundation for broader cooperation across academia, investments and culture. He commended UMCS and the City of Lublin for their continued hospitality towards Ugandans and other East African Community students and scholars.

The Vice Chancellors from the Ugandan universities pledged their commitment to the internationalization agenda and also underlined the significance of the MoUs in building research capacity and addressing mutual global challenges, while commending the Institute of International Relations at UMCS and the Embassy of Uganda for championing this initiative and fostering academic linkages between Lublin and Uganda.

Key Areas of Collaboration the Agreements will focus on:

• Student and staff mobility, promoting cross-cultural learning and professional development.
• Joint research projects and publications, advancing innovation and knowledge exchange.
• Organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops, to facilitate scholarly dialogue.
• Exchange of academic materials and information, expanding access to educational resources.

The signing of these MoUs marks a significant milestone in the internationalization of higher education at UMCS and reinforces the university’s long-standing commitment to fostering global academic cooperation.

Through this partnership, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kabale University, Uganda Christian University and Clarke International University reaffirm their dedication to building bridges between continents, advancing knowledge, and contributing to sustainable educational development.

Uganda Christian University was represented by Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, accompanied by the Director of Research, Partnerships and Innovation, Prof. Elizabeth B. Kizito.

The official signing ceremony was attended by Dr hab. Prof. dr. Hab Radosław Dobrowolski and Prof. dr. Hab Dorota kołodyńska, Rectors of UMCS; H.E. Amb. Stephen Mubiru, Ambassador of Uganda to Poland; and Ms. Jessica Namuddu, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Uganda in Germany. From UMCS, the event was also joined by dr hab. Prof. Katarzyna Marzęda-Młynarska, Deputy Head of the Institute of International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism, as well as Robert Ainebyona Mgr, Head of the Ugandan Community in Lublin, and members of the UMCS staff.

Two universities in Uganda participated remotely represented by Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, Vice-Chancellor of Kabale University and Prof. Rose Clarke Nanyonga, Vice-Chancellor of Clarke International University along with respective members of their administrative teams.

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