French Embassy Delegation Commends MUST's Research Partnership with Epicentre - Mbarara University of Science and Technology
On 2nd July 2026, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted Mr. David Germain-Robin, Head of Cooperation in charge of Universities and Research at the Embassy of France in Uganda, who. . .
On 2nd July 2026, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted Mr. David Germain-Robin, Head of Cooperation in charge of Universities and Research at the Embassy of France in Uganda, who represented the Ambassador of France to Uganda, during his visit to the Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre. The delegation paid a courtesy call on Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), where discussions highlighted the longstanding research partnership between MUST and Epicentre and explored opportunities for strengthening collaboration between MUST and the French Embassy. The team from MUST was led by Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, together with, Dr. Elias Kumbakumba, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko, International Relations Officer, and Ms. Angella Nakato, Public Relations Officer. The Epicentre delegation, led by Assoc. Prof. Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, Director of Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre, included Mr. Dan Nyehangane, Laboratory Coordinator, Dr Robert Nsaibirni, Data Management and Compliance Coordinator, Mr. Souleymane Abdou, Finance and Human Resources Coordinator. Prof. Ngonzi appreciated the French Embassy for its continued support of collaborative research initiatives and recognised the valuable role of partnerships such as MUST-Epicentre in strengthening the University’s research capacity, postgraduate training, and international profile. He further emphasised MUST’s commitment to expanding global partnerships that advance research excellence, innovation, and evidence-based solutions to health challenges. The discussions explored opportunities for expanding collaboration in research, academic exchange, innovation, and capacity development. Particular emphasis was placed on increasing student and staff mobility and strengthening university-to-university engagements, including opportunities beyond the existing collaboration with the University of Montpellier, which has worked closely with Epicentre over the years. Mr. David Germain-Robin with the team members from MUST and Epicentre Mbarara Research centreAssoc. Prof. Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, Director Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre highlighted the Centre’s work in clinical research, epidemiology, innovation, and capacity building. She highlighted Epicentre’s close partnership with MUST, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), the Ministry of Health, and other national and international partners in generating evidence that informs health policy, strengthens health systems, and improves patient care. She also expressed gratitude to the French Embassy for its continued interest in Epicentre’s work and emphasised that sustained collaboration remains essential in addressing emerging public health challenges. Assoc. Prof. Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, Director Epicentre Mbarara Research CentreIn his remarks, Mr. David Germain-Robin commended Epicentre and MUST for their outstanding contribution to health research and scientific advancement. He noted that the partnership has created an enabling environment for high-quality clinical research, postgraduate training, and international collaboration, producing evidence that continues to improve public health. He reaffirmed the French Embassy’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen research partnerships, promote academic exchange, and expand opportunities for collaboration between French and Ugandan institutions. Mr. David Germain-Robin, Head of the Cooperation Team at the French Embassy in UgandaLocated within MUST, the Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre serves as Epicentre’s regional hub for clinical studies, field epidemiology, and public health training in East Africa. As the research arm of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Centre supports research in humanitarian and public health settings while strengthening local research capacity through training and collaborative scientific programmes. This year, Epicentre is celebrating 30 years of advancing epidemiology, medical research, innovation, and public health training worldwide. Throughout its longstanding partnership with MUST, the centre has played a pivotal role in strengthening clinical research, mentoring young scientists, and supporting evidence-based healthcare, reinforcing its position as one of the University’s key international research partners. Author