Fountainhead Institute Secures Shs1.8bn GIZ Partnership for training students

By Patrick Okino

Fountainhead Institute of Management and Technology, located in Amuca Ward, Lira City, has secured modern training equipment through a partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to enhance student training in irrigation, productive use of energy, and clean water technologies.

The two-year partnership will also sponsor student training, provide transport facilitation, and cater for meals during the program.

Speaking on Wednesday, the institution’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal, Tom Okao, said the project is valued at Shs1.8 billion. Equipment delivered includes eight solar panels, water tanks with stands, office chairs, inverters, metallic cabinets, wooden tables, printers, among others.

“The equipment is meant to power the entire school and also operate some of the training equipment that will be installed here,” Okao said.

He added that the institution is undergoing significant development in line with its mission, established in 2006, to provide quality tertiary education with a strong practical orientation focused on problem-solving and community empowerment for sustainable development.

At its inception, Fountainhead Institute offered only four courses: Public Administration and Management, Project Planning and Management, and Counselling and Guidance. The institution has since expanded to 17 programs, including national diplomas, higher diplomas, certificates, and junior technical certificates.

The institute has also launched the construction of a mega laboratory complex worth Shs3.2 billion to strengthen hands-on training. The facility, dubbed Zebra Tower, will house laboratories and workshops for civil, mechanical, architectural, and water engineering programs, while the third floor will serve as a lecture space.

Okao noted that the GIZ partnership will enable the institution to enroll more students once the installation of the equipment is completed.

“According to the memorandum of understanding, after installation we shall be enrolling 60 students annually for electrical and renewable energy and related programs at every intake,” he said.

He added that the institution has the capacity to absorb and adequately train the students during the two-year partnership period.