The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) hosted a delegation from the United States Embassy, Kampala, to discuss opportunities for collaboration and partnership in higher education.
The US Embassy delegation was led by Ms. Lana Surface, the Cultural and Education Attaché. Others included Melissa Paulsen, the Embassy Spokesperson; Veronica Ssempebwa, the Public Engagement Specialist and Ezra Nuwenyine, the Education Outreach Coordinator.
This delegation was received by the Executive Director, Prof. Mary J. N. Okwakol, at the NCHE Secretariat on 27th October, 2026. Prof. Okwakol appreciated the Embassy’s visit, adding that such engagements will culminate into benefits for both NCHE and the US Embassy in Uganda. “We would like to understand the regulatory system in the United States, for purposes of benchmarking, in addition to learning more about the AI processes for higher education regulation” she said.
Prof. Okwakol further emphasised that NCHE remains committed to continued improvements in the processes leading to the establishment of Higher Education Institutions. She briefed the delegation on NCHE’s mandate and functions, which include the processes of institutional and programme accreditation; the equating and recognition of academic and professional qualifications; complaint handling; advising the Government on matters relating to higher education; promoting research; and disseminating information.
Ms. Lana explained that the meeting aimed at fostering partnerships between universities in Uganda and the USA. She made reference to a virtual ‘U.S – Uganda University Partnership Roundtable,’ in August 2026 that attracted about 70 universities,’ and emphasised that partnerships are important. ‘We have created an institutional profile book with over 70 US universities looking for partnerships. Some of these universities are already partnering with institutions such as Makerere University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Makerere University Business School. We are the connector and convenor,” she said.
The meeting identified several areas for potential collaboration, including capacity building of universities in oil and gas, ICT infrastructure, human resource exchanges, grant writing, and tapping into the American expertise in developing a comprehensive Competency-Based Education and Training curricula.
Other NCHE staff in attendance included Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, the Director Quality Assurance and Accreditation; Mr. Arthur Muguzi, the Director Finance and Administration; Dr. Safina Galenda, the Gender Officer, Dr. Marion Alina a Higher Education Officer and Mr. Saul Waigolo, the Senior PRO.
