Gulu University’s delegation, led by Council Chairperson Mrs. Mary Theresa Obbo and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, met with their Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, on September 27, 2023, at his residence in Kampala. During the meeting, they discussed various university updates and developments, with a focus on the proposed Gulu University Specialized Teaching Hospital.
Mrs. Mary Theresa Obbo, the Council Chairperson, expressed the university’s need for the Chancellor’s support in securing increased development funds. The funds are necessary to accommodate various ongoing projects, such as the Business and Development Centre, Senate building, and University Stadium. Additionally, the delegation aimed to update the Chancellor on the status of the specialized hospital project, which had garnered media attention in Uganda by September 26, 2023.
Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, the Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University, informed the Chancellor that they had received feedback from the Ministry of Education regarding the proposed specialized teaching hospital. However, they were awaiting information from the Ministry of Health, as the President had requested the ministry to initiate the Memorandum of Understanding process with VAMED, the project developer, as reported in the media.
During the meeting, the former Prime Minister contacted Dr. Aceng Ruth Jane, the Minister of Health, and informed her of the Gulu University delegation’s presence. Minister Aceng mentioned that she had just concluded a meeting with the project developer and would write to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development regarding the project. She emphasized that the project involved a loan, not a grant, and would require clearance from the Ministry of Finance before progressing, as it was still in the proposal stage.
The Gulu University Chancellor urged patience, giving the Ministry of Health and Finance, Planning, and Economic Development one month to address the crucial aspects of the project. Dr. Rugunda also highlighted the President’s strong support for the project and pledged to advocate for the university’s overall development.
The meeting was attended by key members, including the University Secretary, Obol David Otori, the University Bursar, Nyeko John, and the Chief/Director of Planning and Development, Asaf Adebua, among others.
