Dean and Staff from the Faculty together with a delegation from Mountains of the Moon University

Mountain of the Moon University, Fort Portal, embarked on a benchmark visit to MUBS on February 12, 2024, with a particular focus on engaging with the Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, and Languages. This visit stemmed from the University’s aspiration to establish an independent Faculty of Tourism, a transition from its current placement under the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Recognizing the expertise and experience housed at MUBS, Mountain of the Moon University sought valuable insights to inform its strategic direction. In a letter conveyed to the visiting delegation by the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, and Languages, Assoc. Prof. Milburga Atcero, MUBS expressed its gratitude for the interest shown. Prof. Moses Muhwezi, the Principal, emphasized MUBS’ commitment to nurturing Forging Future frontiers: Collaborative Endeavors in Tourism and Hospitality Education graduates equipped not only with requisite knowledge and skills but also imbued with creativity, adaptability, and a global perspective crucial for success across diverse professional domains. Prof. Muhwezi underscored the significance of collaboration with stakeholders, acknowledging the indispensable role of feedback in refining programs to align with industry and societal needs. “Looking ahead, he remarked, “the prospects of collaboration and partnership are promising. Together, we can forge enriching educational experiences and industry connections, empowering our students to effect positive change in the tourism and hospitality landscape.

The team was at MUBS to seek advice on what it takes to create the Faculty of tourism, programmes that can be offered, course units, and internship programs.

” Assoc. Prof. Milburga Atcero echoed the sentiment of enthusiasm within her faculty regarding the collaborative potential with Mountain of the Moon University. She emphasized the shared objective of fostering entrepreneurial opportunities for youth within the realms of tourism, hospitality, and languages. Her endorsement of the benchmarking exercise as indicative of MUBS’ regional leadership in these domains underscored the university’s commitment to excellence. She envisaged a fruitful collaboration culminating in the development of top-tier tourism programs, setting new benchmarks for the region. During the benchmarking session, Dr. Clovis Kabaseke, accompanied by fellow lecturers Dr. Mary Ekyaligonza and Dr. Ronald Kalulu, articulated Mountain of the Moon University’s ambition to elevate Tourism to a standalone faculty status. Seeking counsel on program development, course offerings, and internship structures from MUBS’ esteemed Faculty, Dr. Kabaseke expressed confidence in the insights gained, anticipating their invaluable contribution to shaping the university’s offerings. Prof. Samson Otengei lauded Mountain of the Moon University’s proactive engagement with MUBS, citing the potential for collaboration in research and the establishment of a Tourism and Hospitality Innovation Centre. His endorsement of leveraging existing resources and partnerships underscored the strategic wisdom behind the benchmarking initiative. In essence, the benchmarking visit between Mountain of the Moon University and MUBS symbolizes a collaborative pursuit of excellence in tourism and hospitality education. It embodies a shared commitment to innovation, industry relevance, and youth empowerment, setting the stage for impactful partnerships that transcend institutional boundaries.