Kampala, 19 May 2026 – The Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) today hosted a delegation from Mary Immaculate College, led by Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education, for high-level discussions aimed at establishing a long-term partnership in teacher education, research, and continuous professional development.
Held at UNITE’s headquarters in Kira, the meeting brought together senior leadership from UNITE, MIC, the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Education and Sports to explore opportunities for academic, research, and institutional collaboration. The visit reflects UNITE’s strategic commitment to positioning the Institute as a global Centre of Excellence in innovative teacher education for social transformation.
Founded in 1898, Mary Immaculate College is one of Ireland’s leading institutions in teacher education and the liberal arts, serving more than 5,000 students. Its Faculty of Education is among the largest in Ireland, offering programmes in primary and post-primary teaching, early childhood care and education, educational psychology, inclusive and special education, as well as postgraduate at Master’s and PhD levels.
In their opening remarks, both institutions emphasized a shared belief that high-quality and inclusive teacher education is essential for social and economic transformation. UNITE’s mandate to provide all levels of teacher education in Uganda, from initial teacher preparation to postgraduate studies and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), aligns closely with MIC’s research-led approach to preparing teachers for diverse and inclusive learning environments.
The visit also builds on existing connections between Mary Immaculate College and Uganda’s education sector. Professor Emer Ring has previously engaged with Ugandan education stakeholders through education-focused initiatives and exchanges involving the Ministry of Education and Sports, creating a strong foundation for future institutional collaboration.
During the discussions, several potential areas of collaboration were identified. These include joint research initiatives focusing on teacher education, educational leadership, curriculum development, and inclusive education. Both institutions also explored opportunities for joint programme development through collaborative curriculum design, professional development courses, and innovative learning programmes that integrate international best practices with local educational priorities.
The meeting further highlighted the potential for joint teaching through guest lectures, co-teaching arrangements, academic seminars, and shared learning experiences aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange and enriching the academic experience for students and staff alike.
Capacity building was also identified as a key area of collaboration, with discussions focusing on professional development, mentorship, research strengthening, and academic support initiatives to enhance institutional effectiveness and educational quality.
In addition, the two institutions explored possibilities for staff and student exchange programmes to promote academic mobility, intercultural learning, and international exposure. These exchanges are expected to strengthen institutional relationships while providing valuable educational and professional experiences for participants.
Closing the meeting, Professor Betty Akullu Ezati, Vice Chancellor of UNITE, thanked the visiting delegation for sharing their experiences and best practices from Mary Immaculate College. She noted that such engagements would support UNITE’s efforts toward strengthening and professionalizing the teaching profession in Uganda. She also reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to international partnerships aimed at enhancing the quality, inclusivity, and global relevance of teacher education in Uganda.
UNITE is a public, university-level, multi-campus institute mandated to provide all levels of teacher education in Uganda, including research and Continuous Professional Development. Mary Immaculate College is a Catholic, university-level college of education and the liberal arts in Limerick, Ireland. Partnering with more than 60 universities worldwide, MIC is a leader in post–graduate education in teacher education in Ireland.
Group picture comprising of MIC Visiting Delegation, some members of UNITE senior management, and representatives from UNICEF, MoES, Embassy of Ireland in Uganda
