A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, with an aim of promoting Standardization and Quality Assurance in institutions of higher learning.
UNBS issued a statement, revealing that the MoU will focus on research, writing, mentorship and attachment of students to UNBS quality infrastructure, joint implementation of projects to support standardization work and awareness and sensitization activities to promote quality standards.
David Livingstone Ebiru, the Executive Director of UNBS noted that the bureau intends to promote quality culture by mainstreaming quality standards in education curricula of Institutions of Higher Learning, especially universities and tertiary institutions.
“Students are the future innovators, industrialists and entrepreneurs who must appreciate the importance of quality standards as a tool for competition and market access of products. The global focus of consumers is today the demand for safe and quality products,” he said.
According to the UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the institution is ready to see the objectives of the collaboration to fulfillment.
He said the University will work with UNBS in developing standardization curricula, trainings in short courses, research, and internship opportunities for students to ensure that the standards of this country are upheld.
The MoU with UCU is one of the many collaborations and partnerships the Bureau has to promote the uptake of quality standards in everyday life to increase the competitiveness of Ugandan goods and services both locally and internationally.
UNBS is a Government Agency responsible for the Development, Promotion and Enforcement of National Standards to protect the Health and Safety of the Public and the Environment against Harmful and Sub-Standard Products while UCU is a Private, Not-for-Profit University established by the Church of Uganda in 1997 to provide high-quality university education.