The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), through its trade arm, the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), is set to embark on the construction of a multipurpose building at the Gulu University constituent college in Moroto district.
Justin Tuko, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, who was the chief guest at the handover ceremony of the multi-billion-dollar site from the university leadership to UPDF’s NEC Works Limited, elaborated that all compensations and groundwork had been completed in the initial phase over three consecutive years, paving the way for the commencement of the project.
He went ahead to pledge support and cooperation for the project from the sub-regional leadership.
“As political and civil leaders across the sub-region, we pledge our total support and cooperation for the success of this project, which brings forth numerous benefits,” Tuko remarked.
The top management of Gulu University, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, emphasized that the UGX 39.9 billion project fulfils a presidential pledge under the wisdom and visionary leadership of H.E. Gen. Yoweri Museveni to provide higher and more balanced education to students in the Karamoja Sub-region.
“We must express gratitude to the President for his continued efforts. Education in Karamoja must prosper. We have faith in NEC for its proven track record of quality work elsewhere,” Prof. Openjuru said.
He appealed to political leadership to support resource mobilization, extending beyond the coffers of the government of the Republic of Uganda.
The Vice Chancellor extended thanks to the regional leadership, security agencies, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment towards the realization of this strategic plan.
Mary Theresa Obbo, Chairperson of the Gulu University Governing Council, emphasized that the management will leverage human resources to further develop the constituent college, which will offer education and agriculture programs, among others.
Lt. Elias Turinomuhangi, NEC Project Coordinator, assured the delivery of quality work and pledged to complete the project within the planned two years, subject to all factors remaining constant.
Present at the event were Dr. Sidonia Akom, Chairperson of the Task Force, Resident District Commissioners, Chairpersons of District Local Governments across the Karamoja Sub-region, Joint Security Commanders, and other senior leaders.
This step marks the commencement of the second phase for the construction of the first multipurpose building at a project site located 10 km along the Moroto-Nakapiripirit road, where the college owns 7086.1 acres of land in Nanduget sub-county.
Maj. Isaac Oware,
Public Information Officer, 3rd Division – UPDF