Prof.Openjuru, George Ladaah the Gulu University Vice-Chancellor, and his technical team are breathing the air of relief after Gulu City councilors in the afternoon of November 15th,2023 unanimously agreed that the whole of Gulu Central Forest Reserve be degazetted to facilitate the expansion and development of Gulu University without any hindrance.
Alima Joyce Reeni, the Gulu City speaker led the house in the discussion and finally pulled the final resolutions.
Christine Olok, the Deputy Mayor presented a Gulu City Executive Committee position before the special Council meeting that sat at Gulu University New-Library indicating that the Executives found it proper that Gulu University’s expansion and development needs not to be frustrated.
The Executives further argued that based on the fact that Gulu University is offering their 500 acres of land in Nwoya for swapping with the National Forestry Authority, it was proper to make Gulu University have the entire Gulu Central Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve measures about 243 acres.
The Gulu City Councilors included Acan Susan, Ayee Cindy, Ojok Patrick, Komakech Richard Oketayot, Ogwetta Andrew Otto, and Odong Morris among those who were vocal in the house, defended that it was relevant for Gulu University to expand and have the Gulu University Specialized Hospital built in Gulu with ease.
This position which came after an earlier 15 minutes’ adjournment by the Speaker ruled out debating on the matter.
Innocent Ahimbisibwe, the Gulu City clerk who invitation of the speaker thanked the councilors and promised to ensure the ‘resolution of no objection ‘on the degazzettement is presented to Gulu University with immediate effect to facilitate further actions.
Prof.Openjuru, George Ladaah the Gulu University Vice-Chancellor expressed excitement for the noble role the councilors played to see that the University expands.
“The Government has given us 21 days to expedite this process and we really had to pull this, thank you “. Prof.Openjuru, who was granted the opportunity on behalf of Gulu University couldn’t hold his gratitude.
On November 2nd, 2023, the Government of Uganda through the Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, and the Minister of State for Sports, Ogwang Peter gave Gulu University management 21 days to ensure that they finish the major work towards the degazettement process that has been pending despite Presidential directive in 2020.
The degazzettement is very crucial for Gulu University now at a time President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta has proposed the construction of a fully funded 324 beds Specialized Hospital to be constructed on a 20-acre piece of land, the University has identified its location within the Central Forest Reserve.
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