On behalf of the Dean, School of Management Sciences at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), it was a great honour to warmly welcome esteemed partners from the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), together with their students, to Uganda and to UMI. The Institute was privileged to host this engagement under the TIPARTE Project, focusing on Digital Logistics and Entrepreneurship. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators through experiential, digitally driven, and globally connected education.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Gerald Karyeija, Dean of the School of Management Sciences, emphasized that the partnership is a manifestation of UMI’s strategic direction towards internationalisation, visibility, and community engagement. He noted: “From a dream to reality! The MSc in Digital Logistics and Entrepreneurship started as an idea but has now become a successful initiative through collaboration and innovation. We see this as the beginning of a long partnership.”

The Dean also acknowledged the leadership and guidance of Prof. James L. Nkata, the Director General of UMI, whose unwavering commitment has made this partnership vibrant and impactful. Prof. Nkata reaffirmed UMI’s dedication to quality and excellence, noting: “Having a programme of this nature is no accident. With our experience and mandate, we are confident it will be a success, and we pledge to do everything within our ability to ensure the programme thrives.”

The Hackathon for the development of the Master of Science in Digital Logistics and Entrepreneurship was officially launched at UMI and will run from 20th to 24th October 2025 at the Institute. Built on earlier collaboration between the three institutions, the Hackathon brings together brilliant minds—students, faculty, and innovators—to co-create and design an innovative and practical MSc curriculum that addresses real-world challenges in logistics and entrepreneurship.

At UMI, partnerships such as TIPARTE are central to advancing the Institute’s mission of strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and society. Through such collaborations, UMI continues to co-create innovative solutions that enhance entrepreneurship, improve logistics systems, and build resilient economies across Africa and beyond.

The programme also contributes directly to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan IV, both of which emphasize the need for an expanded base of highly skilled professionals capable of applying science and technology to address pressing development challenges. Additionally, it aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by promoting skills-oriented, inclusive, and globally competitive learning.

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. From classroom to career, the MSc in Digital Logistics and Entrepreneurship will produce graduates who set the standard—built on strong quality systems, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.