Interview with Dr. Robert Bitariho on Hosting the SSTC Workshop at MUST

In March 2024 partners from the South South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) network convened at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda. In our conversation with Dr. Robert Bitariho, associate professor in environment sciences, natural resource management and wildlife conservation at MUST, we asked to share his experience representing MUST as the hosting institution of the event.

What made this experience particularly significant for you?

Dr. Robert Bitariho: This was a very interesting, challenging, but ultimately useful experience. It involved working with different countries, diverse people, varied ways of thinking, and managing different expectations. I consider it a major achievement to have successfully organized such an event, as it was not easy and required extensive communication. Even the positive feedback on the preparation work package was immensely gratifying—people were so grateful!

What aspects of the workshop stood out to you the most?

Dr. Robert Bitariho: I was very excited about the field trip, although I wish we had better timing, as different people had different needs, and we ended up being one or two hours late. Nonetheless, I am happy with how it turned out. The participation from the university was remarkable—everyone from top management to middle management was involved. It was especially impressive to see the Vice-Chancellor at the opening and the Quality Assurance Director present. This level of engagement is not always achievable, so it was very gratifying. All the teaching staff participated actively, and the group discussions were incredibly enriching. It really made me happy and excited to see all the teamwork come together so well!

How did the collaboration between different universities impact the participants?

Dr. Robert Bitariho:  One very important factor is the synergy created between different universities. This collaboration allowed us to explore how we can improve and enrich our curricula by incorporating practices from other institutions. Participants greatly benefited from these interactions, and I believe this experience has already broadened our perspectives, enhanced our skills, and improved our curricula. My staff, including the dean, are very excited and have all acknowledged how useful and valuable this experience has been, especially on this topic.

How have your interactions with various experts influenced your understanding of the role of higher education in addressing complex food systems transformation challenges?

Dr. Robert Bitariho: Interacting with so many people has greatly enriched my knowledge and perspective, exposing me to diverse staff, expertise, and views on climate change. This experience has been far more enriching than reading; it is interactive and deeply impactful. The fruitful discussions and critical interactions have significantly shaped me as a person. Moving forward, I hope to see our sustainability plan in action, continuing to positively impact universities, curricula, and ultimately, the challenges of climate change and food systems in communities. If I can witness this progress in my lifetime, I would be very happy.