GULU – Former Prime Minister Dr. Livingstone Ruhukana Rugunda is the new Gulu University Chancellor following his installation on Friday (February 24) Morning by Vice President Jessica Alupo.
Rugunda effectively becomes the third Chancellor of the Public University located in Gulu City.
He was appointed Chancellor by President Yoweri Museveni in November last year to replace Prof. Ian Bantubano Fredrick Kayanja, who has retired on account of advance age.
Prof. Kayanja, an accomplished veterinarian and academic administrator, relinquished the position in October last year after assuming it in October 2014.
Maj. Dr. Jessica Epel Alupo represented President Yoweri Museveni during graduation ceremony in which 1,270 students, are being conferred different academic awards in various disciplines, including degrees and Doctorates of Philosophies (PhDs).
Shortly after his installation, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda presided over the University’s 18th graduation ceremony conferring Diplomas, Bachelors and Post graduates degrees and five Phds.
Dr. Rugunda will be assisted by the University’s serving Vice Chancellor-Professor George Openjuru Ladaa for the next five years following the extension of his contract by the University Council.
Prof. Openuru assumed office of the vice chancellor of Gulu University in 2016, having served as a Dean in Makerere University School of Education.
Theressa Mary Obbo, the Chairperson University Council accepted and welcomed the two leadership on behalf of Gulu University Council.
Gulu University was started by the government of Uganda as a public university for the purposes of community transformation.
What awaits Rugunda as Chancellor Gulu University
Founded in 2005, Gulu University faces series of development challenges including lack of land for further expansion, recurrent strikes by lecturers and students as well as inadequate learning facilities.
Despite excelling in herbal research in COVID-19 treatment, Gulu University is still waiting for fulfillment of financial pledges amounting to sh3b made by President Museveni for its clinical trial and setting up a commercial production line for the pharmaceutical.
The University also plans to involve itself in production of Juice from locally available mango varieties as a solution to its community wastage in seasons of plenty.
Rugunda’s arrival also brings hope towards the accomplishment of the institution’s strategic agenda amongst others.
