Sustainability and the Triple Mission of the University: Uganda Martyrs University in Perspective

The importance of sustainability (human, social, economic and environmental) especially concerning Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the latter’s role in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) occupies the intellectual space in this chapter. Whereas in the past, HEIs have been seen to be ivory towers—dealing with matters of academic and less concerned with the social and economic development of their surrounding communities—this chapter looks at the recent developments where HEIs have redefined and expanded their role—of going beyond the academic, that is, the generation of knowledge and being critical thinkers to one where they see themselves with the capacity, using their triple mission of teaching and learning, research and community engagements, to address the social and economic challenges in communities. With the coming into force of the UN SDGs 2030 agenda, HEIs are increasingly being perceived as key partners in the implementation of the 17 goals. With the three arms of teaching and learning, research and community engagements, HEIs are well-placed to implement the SDGs. Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) is fronted as a case study in implementing the SDGs through its triple mission of teaching and learning, research and community engagement.