Gulu University has begun the process of establishing five new faculties as part of a major expansion aimed at strengthening science-based learning and positioning the institution as a regional hub for research, innovation, and applied sciences.
According to the university’s five-year strategic development plan set to begin in 2026, the institution will expand its current six faculties with the introduction of a Faculty of Engineering and Green Technologies, which will serve as the flagship addition.
Other proposed academic units include the School of Pharmacy, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the School of Computing and Informatics.
The university currently operates six faculties: Law; Agriculture and Environment; Medicine and Surgery; Development Studies; Education and Humanities; and Science. It also runs more than 80 academic programs across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels through the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies and the Directorate of Research and Graduate Programs, which collectively offer about 90 courses.
Speaking to the media, University Secretary David Obol Otori confirmed that the expansion is part of a long-term plan to align the institution with national development priorities and the growing demand for science-focused training.
Otori noted that the multi-year investment will be funded by the Ministry of Education, adding that the university is preparing to submit a detailed budget to the Ministry of Finance. Although he did not disclose the full cost of the project, he said the proposed faculties are expected to be operational within five years.
Meanwhile, Academic Registrar Dr. Jerry Bagaya revealed that Gulu University currently enrolls over 7,000 students, with 44.3 percent in science-based programs and 55.7 percent pursuing arts-related disciplines. He said the establishment of the new faculties will more than double the student population and create additional job opportunities as the university expands its teaching and research workforce.
Vice Chancellor Professor George Openjuru Ladaah said the institution is ready for the transition, noting that Gulu University has posted strong performances in national and international science competitions and research initiatives.
“We have won so many awards in a short period in science competitions, research, and innovations, and now we are an appreciated destination for learning,” Prof. Openjuru said.
Founded in 2002, Gulu University has played a key role in rural transformation, post-conflict recovery, and peace-building in northern Uganda following more than two decades of insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army.
The proposed expansion marks the university’s most ambitious academic restructuring since its establishment and is expected to significantly boost scientific training and applied research in the region
