The visit of Mr. Steven Carr, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Agripreneurship Alliance at Bishop Stuart University took place from 12th to 13th September 2022.
The Agriprenuership Alliance (AA) has always supported Bishop Stuart University in a number of activities since 2019. In 2019, AA funded a blended-learning course, “Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness” offered to students with interests in Agribusiness. Since then, BSU has consistently trained 3 cohorts of up to 25 trainees each year. Agriprenuership Alliance (AA) has since opened a new office in Kampala to spread its activities to more institutions in the country.
It is from this background that the CEO, Mr. Carr chose to have a short visit to the institutions that they have so far worked with including Bishop Stuart University to roll out new plans with the host institutions, as well as visit some former trainees of the course, and their trainers to apply his professional background in community development and education with a focus on preparing young adults to enter the workforce and societies in conflict.
Mr. Steve Carr arrived in Mbarara on Sunday evening, 11th September 2022, and started his field visit on Monday morning, 12th September 2022 to Kitara Hills Farm, located in Isingiro District. He met with Miss. Nalukwago Naswirah the farm manager and doubles as a student at BSU. She also owns more than 100 rabbits on her farm.
Later he moves to Rwampara District where he met Miss. Atuheirwe Annitah the cofounder of Magezi Energy Company (briquettes). Annitah is also a fresh graduate of Bishop Stuart University
He later proceeded to Kazo Youth in Agriculture and Agribusiness Network (KAYAAN) for his final visit and met the CEO, Mr. Muhanguzi Micheal who is also a fresh graduate of Bishop Stuart University. He was amazed by a variety of products being produced at the company like the Micton wines from grapes, ghee, liquid soap, training facility and farm extensions.
On Tuesday 13th September 2022, Mr. Steven arrived at Bishop Stuart University main campus where he had a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and the Top Management. He later visited the trainees in the Agribusiness Incubation Hub, the Active living (industrial park), and Nechaz Prise (industrial park). The tour ended with a dinner and an awarding ceremony for Cohort 4 winners at Oxford Hotel, Mbarara.