Protect Gulu city’s educational economy
Rising insecurity linked to street gangs known as Aguu threatens Gulu’s growth as a university-driven economic hub. With about 7,000 students at Gulu University for the 2026 academic year, businesses, landlords and service providers depend on the opportunities created by the institution, writes Ojok James Onono
Ojok James Onono. (File)
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OPINION
By Ojok James Onono
In 2017, during a meeting at State House, Entebbe, convened to resolve the then-contentious Lakang land matters in Amuru district, I witnessed President Yoweri Museveni reflect on the transformative impact of Gulu University. I attended the meeting then as a journalist with Mega FM.
Among the delegates was Prof. Jack Nyeko Pen-Mogi, the university’s founding vice-chancellor. President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the rapid development taking place around Laroo and Gulu, partly driven by the establishment of the university. In his characteristic jovial manner, he joked that he needed to buy land and invest in hostel construction because student accommodation had become a lucrative business.
Prof. Pen-Mogi used the opportunity to explain the university’s growing student population and its contribution to the local economy.
Nearly a decade later, that vision remains relevant. However, the growing insecurity associated with street gangs commonly known as Aguu threatens the very educational economy that Gulu University has helped to build.
Our leaders must recognise that universities are not merely centres of teaching and research; they are powerful engines of urban development.
Unfortunately, insecurity is threatening these gains.
Street gangs reigning supreme
Reports of phone theft, violent robberies and sexual violence by street gangs in Gulu city are currently heightening fears among residents, students and business operators, particularly when travelling at night.
The university community has also suffered painful losses. In May 2026, university staff member Nyeko Chris, who worked in the health unit, was reportedly killed in a brutal incident. More recently, a female Biosystems Engineering student reportedly survived a violent attack while returning to her hostel in the early hours of the morning after travelling from Kampala. According to the account, the attackers took her bag after she mentioned that it contained sh3m, leaving her seriously injured.
On October 10, just last week, Ngire John Bosco, a second-year student in the Faculty of Education, reportedly met his death after being struck on the head with a large stone in an attack allegedly linked to the same gang problem.
Behind every reported attack is a human life, a grieving family or a student whose future is at risk. No parent should fear that a child sent to university might never return home. How many more tragedies must occur before a decisive response is implemented?
Another urgent concern is the reported shortage of vehicles and other logistical resources for security teams to conduct night patrols in Gulu city. Such severely compromises the ability to respond quickly to emergencies, monitor vulnerable areas, and deter criminal activity.
Gulu’s enormous potential
Gulu has demonstrated considerable potential to attract visitors through education, sports, entertainment and cultural events. Motor sports activities recently attracted crowds from different parts of Uganda for two days.
With the Gulu Marathon approaching, the city has further opportunities to promote tourism, stimulate business and create employment. But this potential cannot be fully realised if residents and visitors fear moving around at night.
Gulu can learn from university cities such as Groningen in the Netherlands, where higher education is closely linked to the city’s identity and development.
I appeal to all Security Chiefs in Uganda to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. President Museveni’s remarks back in 2017 reflected an understanding of the transformative power of a university, and nearly a decade later, Gulu’s educational economy vision must be protected through practical investment in public safety.
The writer is a University Spokesperson and Communication Expert