Prof.Openjuru George Ladaah -Gulu University Vice chancellor -Photo credit-Gulu University
By Phillips Kica
Gulu: Gulu University has launched a new admissions pathway for its pharmacy and medicine programs with the goal of increasing access to higher education and fortifying the healthcare workforce in the Acholi sub-region.
According to Christine Aceng, a pharmacy student at St. Francis School of Health Sciences in Mukono, “this is an exciting development that will open doors for many ambitious students who may have previously felt that their path to medical or pharmacy school was out of reach.”
“We are optimistic that this new admissions program will identify exceptional talent and contribute to developing the next wave of healthcare leaders for our nation and continent,” she continued.
According to Gulu University’s academic registrars’ records, ten students from the area’s underprivileged schools were accepted into the two esteemed medical programs in the academic year 2024–2025 through affirmative action for underprivileged schools with private funding.
Under the new plan, ten seats will be set aside annually for eligible candidates who have successfully finished their senior four and senior six years of secondary education at any school in the Acholi sub-region, irrespective of their tribe.
Professor George Lada Openjuru, vice chancellor of Gulu University, stated that “as a leading institution of higher learning in northern Uganda, we have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities for the students who studied within Acholi sub-region.”
Eight districts in northern Uganda make up the Acholi sub-region. For a long time, socio-economic issues have prevented the area’s residents from having adequate access to healthcare and education.
Through giving Acholi schools priority admission in these in-demand medical programs, Gulu University aspires to develop a new generation of healthcare professionals who will eventually return to their home villages.
“Many bright and deserving students from the Acholi sub-region have faced barriers in pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors and pharmacists,” said Prof. Openjuru. “This new admissions scheme will help level the playing field and unlock the immense potential that exists within our region.”
The medical and pharmacy programs of Gulu University are well-known for their demanding coursework and first-rate training in clinical practice, research, and public health. These programs’ alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to the healthcare industry both domestically and abroad.
By funding the education and professional development of young people from the sub-region, they are strategically investing in the future of healthcare in northern Uganda, according to Prof. Openjuru.
Implementation strategy for the scheme
Prof. David Okello Owiny, the Gulu University deputy vice chancellor in charge of academic affairs highlighted that under the new plan, applicants should be able to earn the points required by the university in order to be admitted. The university is already implementing affirmative action by awarding 30% of scholarships to female students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees.
According to him, there will be six positions in medicine and four in pharmacy in each scheme.
Students must meet the eligibility requirements, as students from different tribes are welcome to apply as long as they have completed both basic and advanced coursework at any school in the Acholi subregion.
Many students have been enrolled using the same program; applications for the first cohort of the Acholi sub-region students’ admissions scheme closed in May.
Interested candidates may visit the university website to learn all about the requirements for eligibility and how to apply for the next calls.
