By Masejele Sulaiman
Sino Mbale Industrial Park on Thursday 25 June officially rolled out its Industry Education Integration Students Internship Program, providing internship opportunities to more than 100 students drawn from five higher learning institutions across Uganda. 
The initiative is aimed at equipping students with practical workplace experience, enhancing their employability, and strengthening the relationship between educational institutions and the industrial sector.
The program brings together students from institutions including Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kyambogo University, Uganda Technical College Elgon, Busitema University, and Songavi College.
Internship Program to Become an Annual Initiative
Speaking during the launch, Laurent Zhang, the Administrative Manager of Sino Mbale Industrial Park, described the internship initiative as part of the park’s corporate social responsibility and commitment to giving back to the community.
He explained that the program is intended to create meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on industrial experience while preparing them for future careers.
Zhang further revealed that the internship program will become an annual activity and that the number of placements is expected to increase in the coming years as the partnership continues to grow.
The Industry Education Integration Students Internship Program is our way of giving back to the community while preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace. Laurent Zhang said.
Linus Nasimiyu, the Principal Education Officer for Mbale City, welcomed the program and described it as the beginning of a stronger and more productive partnership between educational institutions and industry players.
She commended the participating institutions for actively presenting their students for the opportunity and encouraged the interns to take full advantage of the exposure provided by the industrial park.
Students should make the most of this opportunity by demonstrating discipline, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Linus Nasimiyu said.
Nasimiyu emphasized the importance of discipline, professionalism, and commitment, noting that these qualities would enable students to maximize the benefits of the internship experience.
Representing the Mayor of Mbale City, Abadallah Aziz Sharaf applauded the management of Sino Mbale Industrial Park for investing in youth development through internship opportunities.
He urged students to remain focused, work hard, and make the most of the opportunity as they prepare to transition from academic life into the competitive job market. Sharaf noted that such initiatives play a critical role in preparing graduates for employment and entrepreneurship.
This initiative provides young people with a vital opportunity to prepare for the transition from school to employment. Abadallah said.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at IUIU, Mukhwana Siraji expressed gratitude to the park management for including the university in the partnership program.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building a long-term relationship with the industrial park and highlighted the importance of practical training in complementing classroom learning.
According to Siraji, the internship program will help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to acquire industry-relevant skills that are highly valued in today’s job market.
We look forward to building a lasting collaboration with Sino Mbale Industrial Park for the benefit of our students and the wider community. Mukhwana said.
He further encouraged students to establish positive professional relationships with supervisors and colleagues while maximizing every learning opportunity available during their placement.
Kenneth Onen noted that the internship opportunities offered by Sino Mbale Industrial Park will help ease congestion experienced at division offices, which often receive large numbers of students seeking internship placements.
He observed that the industrial park’s involvement provides an alternative avenue for students to gain practical experience while reducing pressure on public institutions that traditionally host interns.
Leaders and officials attending the event consistently emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and professionalism throughout the internship period. They encouraged students to demonstrate strong work ethics and a willingness to learn, noting that outstanding performance could lead to employment opportunities within the park or recommendations to future employers.
The internship program is expected not only to enhance students’ technical and professional competencies but also to improve their chances of securing meaningful employment after graduation.
Mbale Industrial Park has emerged as one of the most significant industrial and employment centers in Eastern Uganda. The park currently hosts more than 80 factories and employs over 14,000 people across various sectors.
The workforce comprises skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled employees, making the park one of the largest employers in the region. Through initiatives such as the Industry Education Integration Students Internship Program, the park continues to contribute to workforce development, industrial growth, and youth empowerment.