Mega Fm & Agency
Gulu University is planning to construct two student hostels with a combined capacity of 2,000 rooms, in a move expected to improve accommodation and address security concerns around the institution.
The announcement comes just days after the murder of John Bosco Ngire, a second-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education and Humanities, on Oct 10, 2026 at about 4 a.m. as he returned to his hostel after a night out.
Speaking during a security meeting at the university’s main campus on Tuesday, the university secretary, David Obol Otori, said the planned facilities will comprise separate hostels for male and female students.
Otori said the University management was engaging the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) through the university’s holding company to facilitate the construction of the two hostels.
Gulu University Vice-Chancellor Professor George Ladaah Openjuru called for stronger security interventions by hostel owners, especially the installation of Closed-Circuit Television cameras to monitor intruders.
Prof Openjuru also cautioned students to be vigilant and avoid late-night outings and alcohol drinking that expose them to risks of attacks by unknown individuals.
Gulu Resident City Commissioner Ambrose Onoria pledged increased security deployment to protect students and the surrounding community.
Onoria also announced that a police patrol pickup vehicle dedicated to the university was expected to be ready in November to strengthen security operations.
