By James Ojok Onono
GULU, UGANDA – June 9, 2023: General Salim Saleh, the Chief Operation Wealth Creation Coordinator, has issued a challenge to all universities in Uganda, urging them to take the lead in research on matters related to the country. He emphasized the need for Ugandan universities to surpass foreign institutions in terms of data and knowledge.
Expressing his astonishment, General Saleh shared an example of receiving in-depth information about the Karamoja region from Tufts University in America, questioning the absence of similar research from local universities. He emphasized the importance of Ugandan universities taking charge of generating authoritative information on issues concerning the country.
During a meeting with a delegation from Gulu University, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor George Openjuru Ladaah, General Saleh discussed the establishment of the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Secretariat at Gulu University in 2021
Professor Openjuru assured General Saleh of Gulu University’s commitment to conducting research that contributes to community transformation, aiming to become a central hub for documented research in Northern Uganda. He expressed the desire to forge a structured relationship with the OWC to establish Gulu University as a primary source of vital information for the region
General Salim Saleh, who had previously appointed Professor Openjuru George Ladaah as the coordinator of the OWC Secretariat for Northern Uganda, welcomed the briefing on the progress made. He pledged continued collaboration with Gulu University, particularly in areas of strategic research that have a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Accompanying Professor Openjuru were Dr. Okello Collins, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Mr. Nyeko John, the University Bursar, and other members of the delegation. Mr. Odong Stephen Latek, the Amuru Resident District Commissioner, also joined the group. Latek previously served as the Gulu Resident District Commissioner during the establishment of the OWC Secretariat at the university.
