GULU UNIVERSITY, SECURITY AGENCIES AND STUDENTS, CONVENE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO STRENGTHEN STUDENT SAFETY

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RCC, Gulu City, Mr. Onoria Ambrose speaking to the university community at the general assembly.
Gulu University on 12TH/10/2026, convened a General Security Assembly bringing together university management, student representatives, local leaders and security agencies to address concerns over student safety and strengthen collaborative efforts to prevent crime within the university and surrounding communities, held at the university’s Main Campus.

The assembly followed the tragic death of a university student on 10th/10/2026 and staff in May, 2026 suspected as a result of gang violence, this renewed calls for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard students and other members of the university community.

The meeting brought together the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Gulu City, Mr. Onoria Ambrose, local council leaders, , Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Achwa West, Fred Ahimbisibwo, and members of the university’s top management including the Vice chancellor, the University Secretary, the office of the Dean of Students and Gulu university security to discuss immediate security interventions and develop a sustainable approach to campus and community safety.

Students attending the general assembly.
The Dean of Students underscored the human cost of insecurity, reminding participants that the loss of a student extends beyond the university to affect families, friends, classmates and the country’s future. The assembly provided an opportunity for stakeholders to express their concerns, examine factors contributing to insecurity and identify practical measures to protect students both on and off campus.

VC Prof. George Openjuru, speaking to the students.
Gulu University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, highlighted concerns about drug abuse and the risks students may encounter when visiting entertainment spots and bars, particularly when returning to their residences late at night. He also noted the increase of bars around the university area saying this is a good and bad thing at the same time.

The VC, urged the wider community not to miss use the peace the government fought to restore in northern Uganda. He also told student to use freedom at higher institutions of learning carefully and be alert, aware of their environment and vigilant.

“Let us protect ourselves from ourselves”, said prof. George Openjuru.

RPC, for Achwa West, Fred Ahimbisibwe.
Regional Police Commander for Achwa West, Fred Ahimbisibwe, reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to working closely with Gulu University and local leaders to address security concerns. He announced plans to intensify police patrols in the Laroo–Pecho area within two days and strengthen community policing initiatives.

Ahimbisibwo also called for greater interaction between students and security personnel, encouraging timely reporting of suspicious activities and closer cooperation between the university community and law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the need to balance individual freedom with responsibility, noting that protecting students requires both effective security systems and responsible behavior.

The assembly discussed several practical interventions to improve security infrastructure and surveillance around student residences and other frequently accessed locations.

Hostel owners were urged to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within their premises, while stakeholders proposed increasing the presence of security personnel at busy student gathering points.

The university also emphasized the importance of sustained coordination with the RCC’s office, police, local council leaders and private hostel proprietors to improve information sharing and ensure a more coordinated response to security threats.

Students at the general assembly on security.
Students were encouraged to travel in groups, especially at night, remain alert to their surroundings and report security concerns through established university and security channels. Arrangements to coordinate transport for students arriving from Kampala late at night were also discussed. These measures form part of broader efforts to strengthen preventive security and reduce students’ exposure to potential threats within the university’s surrounding communities.
Finally, beyond immediate interventions, the General Security Assembly underscored the need for a sustainable partnership between Gulu University and the wider city leadership to address security challenges affecting students and residents. The engagement reinforced the principle that student safety is a shared responsibility requiring consistent collaboration among university administrators, students, security agencies, local authorities and private accommodation providers. The university expressed appreciation to the RCC for engaging directly with the university community and listening to its concerns during this difficult period.

Gulu University

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GULU UNIVERSITY, SECURITY AGENCIES AND STUDENTS, CONVENE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO STRENGTHEN STUDENT SAFETY