UNE Researcher Peter Muzinguzi
Ugandan researcher Peter Musinguzi was drawn to complete a PhD at the University of New England by his interest in rural development.
“UNE’s rural location provides a unique atmosphere for learning and reflecting upon rural development” he says. “Armidale is affordable compared to urban locations like Sydney and at UNE I was able to get academic supervisors who have a great deal of knowledge and experience within development and research in developing countries.”
Peter is supervised by Professor Derek Bake, Dr. Nicolette Larder and Professor Renato Villano and is undertaking a PhD by publication in the field of Social Entrepreneurship. His work is advancing empirical analysis of the performance of Social Enterprises that will provide a guide to the design and operation of Social Enterprises in rural development.
Talking to managers and leaders of rural SEs before collecting data in Uganda
Having won a competitive UNE International Postgraduate Research Award, Peter relocated to Armidale and was surprised to find it was a small town despite being referred to as “Armidale city.” Locals explained that it was Armidale’s two famous and rather beautiful Cathedrals which gave it city status.”
In fact, in New South Wales city status is determined by local councils on the basis of population and distinct character. Local folklore regarding the association between a Cathedral and city status stems from the early 1540’s when King Henry VII of the United Kingdom founded dioceses in six towns and granted them city status. Regardless, Armidale neighbours several beautiful national parks and is a great spot from which to explore the greater New England and Coffs Coast. Prior to the current pandemic Peter enjoyed touring the State for its remarkable scenery, a particular favourite being the Blue Mountains where Peter visited two parks with the UNE Zoology Society remarking “it was fascinating to pass through the dark glow worm tunnel!”
Peter and friends in Dorrigo National Park
He cites Dorrigo National Park, the Celtic Festival in Glen Innes, Myall Creek Memorial and Uralla as regional highlights. Most of the regional travelling that Peter does is organised by the Armidale International Association of which he is Vice President. To maintain a connection with his homeland Peter performs traditional dance with friends whenever the opportunity allows it. He is a fan of contemporary Ugandan music and recommends Rema’s “Gutujja” for anyone wanting to explore.
Peter and friends on a visit to Uralla and nearby Gostwyck.
In the future Peter hopes to continue in research on Social Enterprises given the emerging nature of Social Entrepreneurship field within which they are situated and their potential for contributing to solving the world’s intractable challenges in both the developing and developed countries. Peter expects that his area of research interest will benefit from partnerships with multilateral and international agencies, philanthropies and governments and he notes that there is currently a great interest by these agencies in using the Social Enterprise model as they contribute to making the world a better place to live in.