Monthly Archives: November 2025

A consortium of 7 universities is attending the second Joint Steering Committee meeting of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme under the project “Mobility 4 Agricultural International Networks Supporting Thematic Resilience and Enhancing Adaptation and Mitigation (MAIN)STREAM” at the University of Free State in South Africa. The project has provided pathways for institutional modernization and internationalization reforms to drive innovative solutions and value-added outcomes in interdisciplinary agricultural programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, and further inspire their inclusive implementation. The meeting has been attended by representatives of the 7 partner universities that include Mountains of the Moon University (Uganda), University of Kara, (Togo), Arsi University, (Ethiopia), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), (Kenya), Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima NIASS (USSEIN), (Senegal), University of Free State, (South Africa) and Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, (Germany).

The meeting has 3 key objectives that include: 1) selecting the next scholarship beneficiaries of the short-term mobility exchange 2) prepare a joint proposal application for the sustainability of the MAINSTREAM network and 3) evaluation and strengthening of the current collaboration. The selected scholarship beneficiaries for the second cohort are expected to start their mobility starting January 2026.

 The team also met the scholarship beneficiaries from the consortium universities hosted by the University of Free State to discuss their experience so far and deliberate on the future of the MAINSTREAM Alumni network for continued support beyond the mobility period. According to the students, this mobility scheme has increased their qualifications, skills, and exposure in different domains, e.g. interpersonal and intercultural skills, agricultural skills, and green and digital skills, stemming from diverse cultural and environmental exposure.

Mwanguhya Christopher, a Bachelor of Agriculture student at Mountains of the Moon University, recently completed a mobility placement at De Oude Kraal Country Estate in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
In his report, he states:

“During my mobility program at De Oude Kraal Country Estate, I gained hands-on experience in livestock production and farm management. I developed practical skills in animal health care, feeding and nutrition, breeding management, record keeping, and biosecurity practices across dairy, sheep, and piggery enterprises.

This experience strengthened my technical competence, problem-solving ability, teamwork, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. It shaped me into a more confident and resourceful Animal Scientist and Nutritionist. The supportive administration and collaborative environment provided a strong foundation for my professional growth.”

A student from Mountains of the Moon University has shared a reflective account of their academic and cultural experience during a mobility program at Université de Kara in Togo. The mobility opportunity exposed the student to a new learning environment, diverse communities, and hands-on academic engagement that strengthened both personal growth and professional development.

During their stay, the student participated in academic activities, interacted with peers and staff from various cultural backgrounds, and gained practical insights that broadened their understanding of regional education systems. They highlighted the warm hospitality, the unique cultural setting, and the supportive academic atmosphere at Université de Kara as key elements that made the experience memorable.

This reflection forms part of the ongoing collaboration between Mountains of the Moon University and partner institutions across Africa to promote capacity building, student mobility, and cross-cultural learning. Such initiatives aim to expose students to new ideas, enhance their academic competence, and strengthen regional networks within the higher education sector.

The mobility program continues to provide students with transformative opportunities that enrich their academic journey and prepare them for the demands of a globalized workforce.