Gulu University Seals Deal with Agro-Max Uganda

By Howard Mwesigwa

Gulu University through its legal entity, Gulu University holding limited, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Agro-Max Uganda, a renowned Agri-Business company in Uganda.

Professor Openjuru George Ladaah, the University Vice-chancellor who doubles as the chairperson of the board of directors of the University entity, and the University Secretary who is one of the directors spear-headed the signing of the MOU on behalf of the University holding limited and Rony Josef Oved, the Chief Executive Director of Agro-Max led his delegation in the ordeal.

This collaboration is intended to give Agro-Max the green light to establish a specialized Modern Agricultural Programme in Gulu University (Moroto Constituency College) that would particularly target young people who did not get formal education with hands-on skills in mechanized Agriculture. According to the University Vice Chancellor, the initiative is expected to support University graduates who want to be re-equipped in mechanised modern agriculture.

At the signing, the Gulu University Vice Chancellor noted that  young people have prioritized getting certificates and degrees above knowledge acquisition and skills applications which are becoming a cancer in the educational system. In his very words, he retorted that,

“As an educationalist, I feel disappointed because our students throughout the years put their efforts on getting the academic credential and fail to get the practical bit hence this collaboration is to bring to light practicality to its full potential,” He further observed that the collaboration is geared towards transforming the community with the first test running in Moroto constituency college. 

Rony Oved, the Director of Agro-Max, was of the considered view that they were delighted to work with Gulu University on the initiative and said they were willing to have the first intake by next year if all does go as planned.  He added that the initiative will start with a short course of three to six months and progress with time.

We also learnt that these trainings and courses will largely focus on Tractor operation, Mechanics for Agro-equipment, Farm Management, fish farming and horticulture.