1,000 set to graduate from Gulu University

At least 1,044 students are set to graduate from Gulu University during the 8th graduation ceremony slated for January 19 at the main campus in Gulu District, as the institution prepares to celebrate 10 years of existence.

Of the students graduating, 400 are female and 644 are male, and 66 students will graduate with Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jack Nyeko pen’Mogi, expressed his gratitude at the stride the university has achieved despite being opened during the period the Lords Resistance Army insurgency was at its peak in the north.

Prof. Penmogi said the university was compelled to take its staff for further training to bolster human resource.
At least 52 lecturers are pursuing PhDs, while other 100 are studying for Masters. This, he said, is to help bridge the gap since many lecturers in Kampala find it hard to teach part-time in Gulu due to the long distance.

However, Prof. Penmogi said the biggest problem the university is facing is failure to acquire a land title due to resistance from the community as well as reluctance by Gulu leadership to pursue the matter.

It is likely to cost it billions of shillings of aid from the African Development Bank for expansion and construction since most of the buildings are temporary.
He also blamed the problem of funding from the government for its failure to increase infrastructure.

Gulu University, a public institution, was established by Act of Parliament in 2001 to boost the region’s manpower needs.

In October, the university was closed by the Resident District Commissioner, Mr James Kidega Nabinson, following days of violent protests by students over alleged maladministration. More than 16 students got arrested during the protests.