Gulu University Kicks Off Planning for Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Gulu University officials on 23 October 2026 held the first planning meeting for the institution’s 25th anniversary celebrations, marking the beginning of preparations for the Silver Jubilee.

During the meeting, Dr. Asaf Adebua, the University’s Chief Planning and Development Officer, presented a proposed plan outlining activities and other arrangements for the celebrations to the Central Organising Committee (COC). The committee is chaired by Eng. Moses Onono and Deputised by Canon Dr. Gladys Oyat, who chair the University Council Committees on Planning and Development, and Students’ Affairs, respectively.

Dr. Adebua said the university requires more than UGX 1 billion to organise a successful Silver Jubilee celebration and achieve its planned targets. The proposed activities include international conferences, public lectures, documenting the contributions of past and current members of the university community, and a sports gala for university alumni, among other engagements.

Eng. Onono encouraged university staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to actively participate in the celebrations, noting that the Silver Jubilee would feature a series of activities. He also called on members of the public to prepare to support the celebrations, adding that the resource mobilisation team would soon reach out to them to seek contributions towards making the event a success.

The University Secretary, Mr. Obol David Otori, pledged that his office would ensure additional activities are incorporated into the university’s routine planning. He also committed to ensuring that the responsible staff members fulfil their respective roles and work collectively towards the success of the celebrations.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, thanked the committee chairperson for ensuring that the planning process had commenced. He noted that preparations were underway for the official launch of the Silver Jubilee planning activities.

In his closing remarks, Associate Professor Daniel Komakech observed that Gulu University was no longer a young institution and should be in a position to account to the public for its 25 years of existence and contribution to society.

“What have we delivered in our core mandate over the years?” Associate Professor Komakech asked, emphasising the need for the university to reflect on its achievements and impact throughout its journey.
He further urged the institution to use the experience gained over the past 25 years to strengthen its future plans and begin looking ahead to its Golden Jubilee.

The Silver Jubilee celebrations are expected to provide an opportunity for the university to reflect on its achievements, recognise the contributions of its stakeholders and chart a way forward for its continued growth and development. The Silver Jubilee celebrations are expected to culminate in July 2027, following the conclusion of the planned meetings