The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), founded in 1913, is the world's oldest inter-university organisation. Its aim is to strengthen the universities in its membership through the promotion of international co-operation and understanding. It works in practical ways to fulfil this aim by promoting the interests of member universities; by providing assistance with staff and student mobility and development programmes; and by researching and disseminating information about universities, management practices and policy issues.  Over 500 universities in the Commonwealth are members of the ACU, making it one of the most effective international networks in higher education in the world.

The Africa Unit at the ACU was established in 2006 with two years funding from the UK Department of Education and Skills and the Office of Science and Innovation and aims to promote partnerships in higher education with Africa. The Unit will draw on the expertise of distinguished higher education leaders from across Africa and the Commonwealth to foster partnerships between higher education institutions in Africa and in other parts of the world.  The Unity works closely with the Association of African Universities and with AU/NEPAD in support of capacity building of high level skills, particularly in science and technology.

British Council Uganda

 British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. It operates in 219 towns and cities in 109 countries and territories worldwide. It builds relationships and understanding between people in the UK and other countries and increase appreciation of the UK’s ideas and achievements overseas.

The areas the British Council focus on in Uganda are professional and personal development, creativity and inspiration, connecting youth and management and leadership. This event links into both the professional and personal development and management and leadership themes.

The British Council is a non-political organisation which operates at arm’s length from government.

Commonwealth Foundation

The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation resourced by and reporting to Commonwealth governments. It works to enhance the role of civil society organisations in governance, democracy, sustainable development, and culture and diversity by strengthening their institutional and human capacity, and creating opportunities and space for partnership, participation, advice and leadership. The Foundation was established by Commonwealth governments in 1965 and is guided by the principles, values and priorities of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth’s People’s Forum

The 2007 Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) will be held in Kampala, Uganda from 18 – 22 November 2007. Hotel Africana in Kampala with its ample conference facilities will play host to the Commonwealth People’s Forum.  The theme for the CPF is Realising People’s Potential. Taking place immediately prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) also in Kampala, the Commonwealth People’s Forum is an opportunity for the people of the Commonwealth and the host country to be linked to the CHOGM.

Under the umbrella of the Forum, a wide range of events and activities will be taking place including workshops; cultural events and performances; and learning journeys to selected Ugandan civil society organisations to provide an opportunity for civil society representatives from other parts of the Commonwealth to learn more about the work of their Ugandan counterparts and to share experiences and ideas.

In 2007, the CPF will be more focused to enable civil society to access their governments in a productive and efficient way. There will be 18 workshops that will discuss issues of direct relevance to the CPF theme and incorporate perspectives from Ugandan organisations to ensure that the Commonwealth People’s Forum leaves a positive legacy.

For up to date information on the CPF, keep checking the website www.commonwealthfoundation.com . You can register for CPF via the website from August 1, 2007. The Commonwealth Foundation looks forward to giving the Commonwealth a memorable and empowering Commonwealth People’s Forum.

Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST)

Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) is a public institution owned by the government of the Republic of Uganda. The University started in 1989 to respond to the increasing demand for health workers and science teachers in the country. MUST is located in south western Uganda in Mbarara municipality, along Kabale high way, 286km south west of Kampala the capital city of Uganda.

MUST embraces a community based training approach. This mode of training is in line with the University’s mission, “To provide quality and relevant education at national and international level with particular emphasis on science and technology and its application to community development”.

Royal Society of Chemistry

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in England is the oldest chemical society in the world, founded in 1841 and is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a network of over 45,000 members worldwide and an internationally acclaimed publishing business, its activities span education and training, conferences and science policy, and the promotion of the chemical sciences to the public. It has a particular interest in helping scientific capacity building in the developing world, especially in Africa, and in providing support for activities related to the Millennium Goals and Commission for Africa. As the professional body for chemistry in the UK, the RSC is responsible for maintaining advanced standards of qualifications, competence and professional practice. Achievements in the chemical sciences are recognised by offering more than 80 awards to those scientists who have made significant contributions to chemistry-related research and education. The Society is also the UK National Adhering Organisation to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

Uganda National Council for Science & Technology (UNCST)

The mandate of the UNCST is the development and coordination of policies and strategies for integrating science and technology into the national development process; to advise the government of Uganda on policy matters necessary for promoting S&T and; coordination and guiding national research and development efforts.

The overall goals of the UNCST are consistent with its five-year strategic plan 2006/7 – 2010/11 and focus on (i) strengthening S&T policy formulation and coordination; (ii) financing, oversight and outreach; and (iii)strengthening of S&T institutional capacity.