Gulu University students offering Food Science had a study tour at the Uganda Industrial Research learning more about food processing, preservation and the technologies utilized.
The group of 24 students led by their Lecturers Dr. Solomon Olum and Dr. Christopher Mugaga, were given technical insights in product development and production processes in dairy, bakery and juice processing. On request the students were trained in yoghurt and cosmetics production as a taste of the practical skills UIRI offers.
Abora Reagan a third year student at Gulu University noted that UIRI offers first hand training and they had been exposed to high-tech machines in the dairy plant. Balina Mukisa Caleb another student said within a short time during the visit his interest to start up his own enterprise after completing the course had been ignited. He appreciated the skills offered in different areas of food processing like bakery and fruit processing.
Dr. Solomon Olum pointed out that UIRI has supported Gulu University in a number of ways offering practical exposure visits, internship and also in analyzing student’s samples in the analytical laboratories. He said the Institute gave the University the opportunity to benchmark the design of simple food processing units.
Uganda Industrial Research Institute forms a mentorship nucleus in which tertiary institution students get exposure and study visits, internship and apprenticeship support to bridge the gap between theory and practice in their quest to becoming efficient professionals.
Besides Gulu University, the Institute has hosted and continues to support tertiary institutions like Busitema University, Makerere University, Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University among others.
The Institute is keen on exposing tertiary Institution students to technology and practical skills modeling them into experts proficient in industrial operations and production.
