Cornerstone University and the National Enterprises and Traders’ Association (NETA Uganda) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening student employability, enterprise innovation and sustainable national economic development.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at Cornerstone University’s Light House Campus in Kazinga, Bweyogerere.
The strategic partnership seeks to create stronger links between higher education and the commercial sector by addressing workforce skills gaps, building the capacity of local enterprises and providing financial support opportunities to aspiring university students.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Cornerstone University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Richmond Wandera, and NETA Uganda President, Hon. Dr. Thaddeus Musoke Nagenda, in the presence of university leaders, NETA executive members, corporate leaders and members of the media.
Under the partnership, Cornerstone University will provide more than 50 tuition scholarships between August 2026 and August 2027.
The scholarships will be prioritised for NETA-nominated enterprise members and their immediate networks.
NETA Uganda will, in turn, use its extensive network of businesses and enterprises to facilitate at least 100 structured industrial placements and internship opportunities annually for Cornerstone University students.
The partnership will also focus on enterprise capacity building and skills development, with Cornerstone University expected to develop tailored short courses and skills training modules for NETA member companies as well as micro, small and medium enterprises.
NETA Uganda has also granted Cornerstone University full Diamond Corporate access across its networks, while the university will make its Kazinga, Bweyogerere campus available as a venue for major NETA corporate, business and ICT symposiums.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Wandera said the partnership demonstrates the university’s commitment to offering education that responds to the needs of the job market and creates practical impact.
“At Cornerstone University, our mission goes beyond academic instruction; we build transformative leaders equipped to transform industries and communities,” Dr. Wandera said.
“Partnering with NETA Uganda opens vital pathways for our students to acquire hands-on practical experience while simultaneously empowering the business community with fresh talent, innovation and cutting-edge research.”
Hon. Dr. Nagenda said the partnership would help bridge the gap between the education sector and the business community while ensuring that students acquire skills relevant to the changing demands of industry.
“The enterprise sector thrives on skilled, adaptable and ethically grounded talent,” he said.
“This partnership with Cornerstone University allows NETA Uganda to directly influence curriculum alignment with current industry needs, grant our business members access to continuous professional development, and create real employment pathways for young Ugandans.”
The two institutions have also established a Joint Steering Committee comprising equal representation from Cornerstone University and NETA Uganda.
The committee will oversee quarterly operational reviews, coordinate programme implementation and ensure compliance with Uganda’s statutory education and data privacy standards.
Cornerstone University, located in Kazinga, Bweyogerere in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, offers NCHE-accredited degree and diploma programmes aimed at promoting academic excellence, value-based leadership and research innovation.
NETA Uganda is an umbrella organisation representing business enterprises, traders, micro, small and medium enterprises and commercial entrepreneurs across the country. The organisation advocates for trade facilitation, business growth, capacity development and economic empowerment.
The new partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration between academia and the private sector, creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience while enabling businesses to access skilled talent, research and professional training.
