The meeting was held 0n the 10^th/September/2026 at the Uganda Management Institute Boardroom with the primary objective of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and the Mbale City Administration, led by the Worship Mayor Ms. Joyce Kidulu Matuka, Mr Michiel S. de Vries, and Prof. Gabriel Ukkertar Miti. Under the agreement, Mbale City will provide land to UMI to facilitate the expansion and construction of additional infrastructure at the Mbale Branch. The session was moderated by Mr Peter Kibazo, Head of Communications and Marketing at UMI, who presented the meeting agenda.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Martha Olwenyi, Branch Manager for Mbale Branch, welcomed all guests, the UMI delegation, and members of the Governing Council. She emphasized that the Mbale branch contributes significantly to UMI, noting that securing this land is a major milestone. She highlighted that this development will expand student enrolment, generate employment opportunities, and establish an environment that aligns with UMI’s world-class brand image.

The Director Finance and Administration (DFA), Dr John Nakabago , delivered brief introductory remarks and introduced the UMI team present, including the Director General, Prof. James L. Nkata; Director Programs and Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Kasozi Mulindwa; Head of Projects and Consultancy, Dr. Rose Kwatampora; Dr. Martha Olwenyi; Mr Balikudembe acting DFA; and Eng. Ahanga.

From the Mbale delegation, remarks were introduced by Mr. Dominic Wanzila, who invited Her Worship Mayor Joyce Kidulu Matuka to speak. Her Worship expressed her delight that after seven years of negotiation, the land transfer had reached a successful conclusion. She noted that despite competing demands for the land from groups such as the Bamasaaba, Mbale City remained committed to UMI. She urged the Institute to commit to a clear timeline for starting construction rather than relying solely on the signing. She expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Mbale for UMI’s investment, local service extension, and job creation. Additionally, she sought clarification regarding a previous financial agreement of 20 million UGX, where 18 million UGX had been delivered, inquiring about the remaining 2 million UGX.

In his address, the Director General, Prof. James Luyonga Nkata, expressed deep appreciation to the Mbale City team for securing and safeguarding the land for UMI and asked the Mayor to convey his gratitude to the city leadership. He affirmed UMI’s commitment to utilizing the land strictly for its intended educational purposes. Prof. Nkata explained that while public sector procedures can take time, 90% of the project preparation is complete, and development is expected to commence by next year to enhance human capital and boost Mbale’s growth as a rising city.

He further pledged UMI’s support to Mbale City leadership through capacity-building programs, with the aim of establishing Mbale as a key hub for resource mobilization. He emphasized that the MOU establishes a mutual commitment: Mbale City provides the land, while UMI guarantees quality infrastructure development and adherence to council standards. In conclusion, Prof. Nkata thanked the delegation for traveling from Mbale to Kampala and commended the Mayor for her dedication to UMI, after which both parties officially signed the MOU.