EDITORIAL
Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), based in Fort Portal, has embarked on expanding its academic offerings to better address Uganda’s pressing needs. The university is establishing a School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Hotel Management to support the growing hospitality industry both locally and nationally. This expansion will increase the number of faculties to seven.
Additionally, two new departments are being introduced under the faculties of Business and Management Sciences and Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
In 2022, MMU revamped its curriculum, reducing the number of academic programs from 71 to 42 but recently, the National Council for Higher Education accredited five more programs. Reportedly, the university currently has 2,460 registered students.
MMU determined to serve local community
In an interview with Jubilee Radio, Professor John Mase Kasenene, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, emphasized that the university’s academic programs, both existing and in development, are designed to serve the local community while aligning with Uganda’s national development goals. He highlighted that MMU’s primary mission is to produce a skilled workforce, with much of its research focused on addressing social challenges within the community.
“Given Fort Portal’s status as a tourism city, the university is working to establish itself as an educational hub for tourism, aiming to provide the necessary human capital to drive tourism development, starting in the city itself.” Explained Prof Kasenene.
To further contribute to the local economy and address social needs, MMU is enhancing its courses in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences by intensifying research efforts. In 2024 alone, the university published over 70 research papers and continues to run several ongoing research programs.
Looking ahead, Prof. Kasenene envisions MMU becoming a center of excellence in teaching and learning. He encourages the local community to fully embrace the university, recognizing its potential for both academic and economic growth.
