Over 1,500 Students Graduate at Gulu University’s 20th Graduation

Gulu University has graduated more than 1,500 students in different fields in its 20th graduation held on Friday 24^th January, 2025 from the University Ground.

In the graduation presided over by the Gulu University Chancellor Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the best two students were awarded for their exceptional performances in their undergraduate programs.

Okwir Kizito who did Bachelor of Business Administration emerged as best male with a CGPA of 4.83. Meanwhile, Ayaa Susan Safira, Bachelor of Secretarial and Administrative Studies was best female student with a CGPA of 4.67.

The Chancellor commended Gulu University for making great strides in ensuring the maintenance of standards, quality and remaining relevant in all aspects of University education, the strategic plan, training, research and innovations for socio-economic transformation of society which is in line with Vision 2040.

“Gulu University recognises University education as an important cornerstone in the achievement of Vision 2040 and National Development Plan (NDP) IV and have a responsibility to produce relevant human resources that will drive the country towards a knowledge-based economy,” Rt. Hon. Dr. Rugunda says.

Mrs. Mary Theresa Obbo, the chairperson Gulu University Council extended her appreciations to the parents, guardians and sponsors for having chosen Gulu University for higher education of their children and urged the graduands to use the knowledge with love for the country.

“I congratulate Council members, Senate, Management and students as well as the community of Gulu University for being committed to the pursuit of knowledge and innovations in a continuous changing and complex world. But we must be equally committed to use that knowledge morally and patriotically,” says Mrs. Obbo.

Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, the Vice Chancellor of Gulu University reveals that the number of PhD graduands increased from 3 in the 19th graduation to 4 in the 20th graduation and is hopeful that the numbers will continue to increase in every graduation.

According to Prof. Openjuru, there was also increment in the number of graduands from 1358 (569 females and 789 males) at the 19th graduation to 1569 (663 females and 906 males) at the 20th graduation representing an increase of 16%.

The first lady Mrs. Janet Museveni who is the Minister of Education and Sports in her speech read by State Minister for Primary Education Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu appreciated the Vice Chancellor Prof. Openjuru for his leadership that enabled the university to register tremendous achievement in the years he has worked at the university.

“One needs to credit Gulu University management under the astute leadership of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah who is known to be one of the best Educationalists in Africa as voted in 2023. No wonder his style of leadership is unique,” Mrs. Museveni appreciates.

In his speech read by Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni urged Gulu University and other universities to play crucial role by offering academic programme and training that offer practical knowledge and skills to meet the world of work for employability and wealth creation.

“Universities in Uganda and Africa should play key three roles: ideology, technology such as ICT and services for socio-economic transformation of society. Therefore, universities in a Uganda and Africa should not be for merely passing knowledge but teaching and learning in order to catch up with the rest of the world,” Museveni.