Gulu University Expansion Sparks Development vs. Conservation Debate
By The Public Lens
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for the degazettement of Gulu Central Forest to pave way for Gulu University’s expansion.
This proposal has ignited a heated debate between development and environmental preservation.
Tayebwa’s concern stems from a 2020 presidential directive to allocate land to the university, which has yet to be implemented.
A 70-acre portion of the Gulu Central Forest Reserve was earmarked for expansion.
However, despite Parliament’s 2021 resolution approving the degazettement, the process remains stalled.
Tayebwa directed the Ministry of Lands and Urban Planning to act swiftly on the presidential directive.
The university has fulfilled its requirements, and the land is crucial for hosting key faculties and facilities.
The expansion plans include the Faculties of Medicine, Agriculture, Environment, research laboratories, and a hostel.
The Ministry has two weeks to respond and take action.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between development initiatives and environmental conservation.
