Gulu University Vice Chancellor, Professor George Ladaah Openjuru, has hailed the Building Stronger Universities (BSU) project as the most impactful project he has ever come across, citing its far-reaching contributions to capacity building, research, and institutional development.
Prof. Openjuru made the remarks on Monday while officially opening a high-level training and networking workshop that brought together researchers, science journalists, and civil society actors under the theme: “Towards an Engaging Research, Innovation and Advocacy Community.”
“BSU is really ‘Building Stronger Universities.’ That is the best project I have ever encountered. I am not exaggerating. It is the truth. I am highly proud to be associated with BSU,” Prof. Openjuru said to an audience of the university’s scholars, science journalists from Uganda’s leading media houses, and civil society activists.
Openjuru, who also serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the BSU project at Gulu University, clarified that his admiration for the project is based on its measurable achievements, not personal bias.
“I am happy that once again BSU has taken this initiative to bring researchers, journalists and civil society activists together. We should be building stronger universities and building strong communities,” he added.
Participants of the workshop pose for a group photo
When approached to respond to Prof. Openjuru’s comments, Dr. Agatha Alidri, the BSU Coordinator, said:
“The comment is rewarding, especially when people acknowledge and appreciate the effort, time, and resources one has invested in the project.”
She added:
“These things don’t happen overnight. Success is a journey—you walk it over time. When someone makes such a comment about us, it’s a big challenge to either maintain the standard or aim higher. For us as individuals, this is part of our CV. We want to leave a legacy. A ‘briefcase project’ affects one’s integrity. If our contribution is regarded as the best by the Vice Chancellor, we are truly appreciative. This is our contribution to the university.”
The BSU Impact
Launched in 2011, and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, BSU is now in its fourth phase.
At Gulu University, BSU has focused on enhancing personal and institutional capacity in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Although initially anchored in the Faculty of Education and Humanities, BSU’s activities have expanded to all faculties and institutes, catalyzing cross-disciplinary research and innovation, as well as multi-stakeholder engagement.
The project has enabled dozens of academic staff to obtain PhDs and Master's degrees, significantly improving the university’s human resource capacity. It has also supported the development of key academic programmes, policies, and research infrastructure.
BSU has funded and facilitated numerous collaborative research projects that have informed both university policy and national development debates—particularly on issues affecting Northern Uganda.
In addition to academic development, BSU has been instrumental in connecting Gulu University researchers with external stakeholders—including policymakers, NGOs, and media actors—through platforms that promote research communication and evidence-based advocacy.
BSU programme is coordinated by Dr. Agatha Alidri, a seasoned researcher and senior lecturer, with oversight provided by a steering committee chaired by Associate Professor Charles Nelson Okumu.
All Photos by Martha Apolot
