Background
Gulu University was established as a public university under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001. Its establishment was formalized through the Gulu University Instrument 2003 No. 31, made on June 25th, 2003, following parliamentary enactment on May 14th, 2003.
It operates as a multi-campus university, with its main campus located in Laroo Division, Gulu City. Satellite campuses are located in Kotido District, Hoima City, Kitgum Municipality, and Moroto District. The university is also mandated to operate and expand constituent colleges and campuses within the Greater North.
Vision
To be the leading academic institution for the promotion of community transformation and industrialization for sustainable development.
Mission
To provide access to quality higher education, training, research, and innovation for the delivery of appropriate services towards community transformation and sustainable development.
Motto
For Community Transformation
Core Values
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Effectiveness and Efficiency
- Accountability and Transparency
- Teamwork
- Gender Responsiveness
- Inclusiveness
Contact Information – Office of the Academic Registrar
P.O. Box 166, Laroo, Gulu City
Tel: (+256) 471 4432921
Email: ar@gu.ac.ug
Functions of Gulu University
- Provide instruction and promote the advancement, transmission, and preservation of knowledge, stimulating intellectual life in Uganda.
- Organize and conduct academic programs, with particular emphasis on medical, agricultural, environmental, and other sciences.
- Conduct examinations and award certificates, diplomas, and degrees, and revoke them where necessary.
- Undertake and sustain research and publication, particularly in medical, agricultural, and environmental sciences.
- Provide accessible physical facilities for university stakeholders.
- Disseminate knowledge and offer equal opportunities for higher education to all persons, including those with disabilities, irrespective of race, political opinion, color, creed, or gender.
Objectives of Gulu University
- Expand higher education equitably.
- Increase the number of professionals in agricultural and environmental sciences.
- Produce more basic and applied science teachers.
- Train engineering and technology graduates for rural industrialization.
- Develop medical personnel and health service providers for rural healthcare.
- Build human resources aligned with the demands of decentralized governance.
University Administration
Administrative Board Members
- Vice Chancellor
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration)
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
- Director, Quality Assurance
- University Librarian
- Director, Planning and Development
- Director, Human Resource
- University Bursar
- Dean of Students
- Director, Information Communication and Technology Services
- University Secretary
- Director, Health Services
University Governance
Gulu University’s governance structure is defined by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 (as amended in 2003 and 2006).
University Council
The University Council is the supreme governing body responsible for the oversight and management of the institution. Its governance is effected through the following committees:
- Appointments Board
- Finance Committee
- Planning and Development Committee
- Students’ Affairs Committee
- Audit and Risk Committee
- Quality Assurance Committee
University Council
The Senate is the formal governing body responsible for academic matters, including the organization, control, and direction of academic affairs.
Top Management and Key Directorates
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs): Oversees all academic matters.
- Dean of Students: Responsible for student welfare.
- University Secretary: Oversees general administration, seal custody, and asset management.
- Academic Registrar: Manages admissions, academic programs, examinations, and publications.
- Directorate of ICT Services: Oversees the university’s ICT infrastructure.
- Directorate of Planning and Development: Coordinates strategic planning and resource mobilization.
- Directorate of Quality Assurance: Maintains academic and institutional quality standards.
- Communications Office: Handles internal and external communication.
- Finance Department: Manages financial planning and budgeting.
- Expenditure and Payables Unit: Processes payments and prepares financial statements.
- Finance Accountability and Reporting Unit: Ensures compliance with financial policies and donor regulations.
- Grants/Projects and Assets Management Unit: Manages research funding and assets in accordance with agreements.
- Directorate of Human Resource Management
- Multifunctional Research Laboratories
- Internal Audit
- GUSSACO
- Estates and Works