Gulu University stood tall on the 6th November 2026, the day the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation set foot to inspect the University Laboratories, research projects and Innovation. I am proud of Gulu University; it is not the University where people dance naked. But this institution has promising innovations, so more attention must be given to completing prototypes, improving research infrastructure and commercialising the resulting product.
“I want my students, when they go out from Gulu University, to be commercialized, job creator not job hunters. You, the V.C. and your professors, researchers and lecturers have to concentrate on developing selected innovations to completion rather than undertaking numerous projects without producing tangible results
GULU CITY- WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 1016
By Okumu Livingstone Langol (Uganda Correspondent)
Special report as Gulu University celebrates 25 years of existence as the 25th Graduation takes place.
On Wednesday November 11, 2026, is a milestone for Gulu University to celebrate the Northern Uganda the post war conflict as Prof. David Okello Owiny, the Deputy V.C and Obol Otori, the Secretary they encounter achievement registered after 25 years, we have produced 25,000 students and transformed Laroo, Unyama village to modern city.
Deputy V.C. David Okello Owiny is a happy person associating himself with the Ivory Tower, called Gulu University, when asked what to show that Gulu University is for community transformation. Reasoning that last week Gulu University staff went to the community to train local councils and other women on leadership skills in society.
Also, Gulu University employs 700 members of the community, we run the bills of UGX 48 billion, which is the invisible seen in society. In the next graduation on November 13, we are going to award two Doctorate PHD to people who have been working tirelessly in the foreign service in Humanitarian peace building and one Doctorate of Science in medicine.
This person passed away, but we are giving him a doctorate because he worked tirelessly in the field of medicine; unfortunately, that person is not there. One of our students did everything; that person cleared everything, but on the way, he got in an accident.
As of 22nd November, Gulu University will be graduating 25,804 graduates, 10,040 female and 16,754 males.
Obol Otori admitted that this year, 2026, Gulu University has admitted 7,025, which means that all 7025 students are to graduate in three years, which means Gulu University has registered a great number of about 22,000. Although we had pressure from the Lecture room, laboratories, the new construction of the six stories building has 36 lecture rooms. And 60 per cent of its construction has been completed.
Gulu University, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the National Council of Sport are constructing the Gulu University training ground for UPCON 2027. But after UPCON 2027, we are going to redesign the sports stadium to accommodate an athletics facility through a grant from the University.
So far Gulu University has extended Gulu University affiliated Universities to Lira University, Muni University in West Nile, Arua City. And now President Museveni asked Gulu University to open Moroto Constitutional College specifically for Dry Upland study; we are soon recruiting college students.
The University Secretary, Obol Otori, outlaid that currently Gulu University is sitting on DFI located on 12 pieces of land, we have a five years development plan, and 50 years development plan.
When the new infrastructure is done, we shall have 15,000 admissions; to mirror the community’s ecosystem, we are going to admit researchers and innovators, and we are recruiting new staff.
The University Secretary stressed that among the achievements that Gulu University is proud of, for the last 25 years, we have trained the former Gulu District Chairman, Local Government, the late Col. Walter Ochora; Gulu Woman MP, Hon. Betty Aol Ocan; and Gulu City West Division MP, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, who are alumni.
The Secretary Gulu University, revealed that although Muni University got a Specialized University Teaching Hospital, but only 200 beds compared to Gulu University, which has 524 beds, equivalent to Mulago National Referral Hospital; Gulu University will soon get sponsorship
“Look around here, the presence of Gulu University has transformed Laroo and Unyama Villages; people have developed hostels, and Gulu University have recruited staff and 80 per cent of students come from Acholi Sub Region.
Dr. Asaf Adebua, head of Gulu University planning Units, also swift i acknowledged that stressed that government research funding must produce measurable outcomes and address real challenges affecting communities.
Hon. Eng. Jonard Assimwe Akiiki, the Minister for IT Innovative and Research Technology key finding are as follows.
Following his inspection of the Innovation space, Laboratories and research facilities at Gulu University, he observed and highlighted the importance of strengthening the University’s research, innovation and commercialization capacity.
In addition, Gulu University possesses promising research initiatives and innovative technologies capable of addressing challenges in Agriculture, environmental management, healthcare, energy and digital technology.
Stressing that the inspection identified areas requiring further attention, particularly the condition and adequacy of some laboratory facilities that need for improved research infrastructure and the challenges associated with transforming research prototypes into commercially viable products.
The Minister for IT Innovations and Research Technology was outraged about the condition of some laboratories, especially the Chemistry Laboratories and directed the technical teams from his office to engage more with Gulu University management to explore opportunities that directly benefit institutions from Government laboratory upgrading programmes.
He further challenged researchers and academic staff to priorities the completion of selected innovations, demonstrate tangible research outcomes and ensure that government-supported research translates into practical solutions for society.
Hon. Eng. Jonard Asmssime Akiiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening science, technology and innovations as drivers of industrialisation, employment creation and economic transformation.
His emphasis was based on the importance of collaboration between Universities and government institutions, the private sector, and industries to facilitate product development, and intellectual property protection and commercialization
Gulu University V.C made direct appeals to the government through the Innovation and Research Technology
Prof. George Openyjuru Ladaah, Gulu University VC decree to the government by highlighting several challenges hindering the commercialization of the University’s research innovation, emphasizing the need for a directed Directorate of entrepreneurship to coordinate and support programs that foster business creation innovation and skills development within the University.
Gulu University VC elaborated that this directorate would facilitate revenue sharing with students and assist in marketing their products effectively.
