The establishment of the Gulu University Constituent College of Agriculture in Moroto has reached a significant milestone following the award of a UGX 39.9 billion construction contract to the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
The contract covers the construction of a Multi-Purpose Building at the proposed university site in Nadunget Sub-County, Moroto District, marking an important step towards expanding access to higher education and strengthening educational infrastructure in the Karamoja sub-region.
The development forms part of efforts to fulfil President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education and supporting socioeconomic transformation in Karamoja.
The Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, described the project as a significant milestone in advancing higher education opportunities in the region.
The planned facility represents a major investment in the development of the Constituent College, providing a foundation for future academic and administrative operations.
The project is expected to contribute to the broader vision of establishing a higher education institution capable of responding to Karamoja’s educational, agricultural, and development needs.
Speaking about the project’s progress, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Moroto District, Mr. Justin Tuko, explained that the initial phase had involved land compensation and preparatory groundwork undertaken over three consecutive years.
He confirmed that the necessary compensation processes and groundwork had been completed, paving the way for the commencement of the next phase of development.
The construction of the Multi-Purpose Building therefore marks the second phase of the project, building upon the preparatory activities undertaken to secure and develop the university site.
The proposed Constituent College is situated approximately 10 kilometres along the Moroto–Nakapiririt Road, in Nadunget Sub-County, Moroto District.
The institution occupies a site reported to cover more than 7,000 acres of land, providing substantial space for the development of academic infrastructure and other future institutional facilities.
The location is expected to support the long-term growth of the Constituent College and its contribution to agricultural education and regional development.
The National Enterprise Corporation has undertaken responsibility for implementing the construction works.
Lt. Elias Turinomuhangi, the NEC Project Coordinator, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to delivering high-quality construction works in accordance with the approved project requirements.
He expressed confidence in the project’s implementation and pledged to complete the works within the planned two-year construction period.
The commitment underscores the importance of timely infrastructure development in preparing the Constituent College for its intended academic operations.
The contract award ceremony brought together university representatives, government officials, security leaders, and other stakeholders from across the Karamoja sub-region.
Among those present were Dr. Sidonia Akom, Chairperson of the University Task Force, Resident District Commissioners, District Local Government Chairpersons, security commanders, and other senior leaders.
Their participation reflected the significance of the project and the importance of coordinated stakeholder engagement in advancing the establishment of the institution.
The construction of the UGX 39.9 billion Multi-Purpose Building represents an important investment in the future of higher education in Karamoja.
Beyond the development of physical infrastructure, the project is expected to support the broader objective of expanding educational opportunities, promoting agricultural knowledge and innovation, and strengthening the region’s capacity for sustainable development.
As Gulu University continues to spearhead the establishment of the Constituent College, the project represents a step towards realising the vision of a fully developed university serving the people of Karamoja and beyond.
