Nkumba University, Entebbe – The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) and Nkumba University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the two institutions collaborate in advancing training, skilling, and professional development for students and practitioners in Uganda’s financial and business sectors.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Jude T. Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, and Mrs. Goretti Masadde, Chief Executive Officer of UIBFS, in a ceremony held at Nkumba University.
The partnership will focus on four key areas, namely: joint pipeline training to allow students to be market-ready, practicing applied research, joint community engagements to promote financial inclusion and grant identification and publicity of programs for both institutions.
A key highlight of the collaboration is the rollout of the Foundation Certificate in Banking and Finance, coupled with career guidance and internship placements for students pursuing finance and accounting programs at Nkumba University.
Speaking at the signing, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, CEO of UIBFS, highlighted the importance of partnerships in building a skilled and future-ready workforce for the financial sector.
“This MoU reflects our commitment as UIBFS to not only train but also transform and prepare the next generation of professionals. By working with Nkumba University, we are creating pathways for students to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and professional grounding that will make them competitive in the workspace.”
She shared the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development’s goal to increase the country’s GDP by tenfold. Stating that this goal can be achieved when we ensure to have staff that are well trained not only to get the right jobs but also to create them. She emphasized the institute’s mandate to be the center of excellence in financial services training and accelerate financial inclusion, both of which are jointly achieved through this collaboration.
On his part, Prof. Jude T. Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, expressed his delight at the partnership, emphasizing its significance to both students and the wider financial sector.
“This collaboration is a major step in equipping our students with the right skills for the workplace. It is important that universities work with professional bodies like UIBFS to ensure our graduates are not only academically excellent but also industry ready.”
Through this MoU, UIBFS and Nkumba University reaffirm their shared vision of strengthening Uganda’s talent pipeline and building a future where academia and industry work hand in hand. The collaboration also positions UIBFS as a leading partner for universities seeking to embed professional, market-led training into their curricula.