Gulu University partners with UNHCR to expand higher education access for refugees

Gulu University is set to hold a strategic meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District to explore ways of improving access to higher education for refugee communities in Uganda.

The announcement was made on Thursday, June 26, during the celebration of World Refugee Day at Bright Future Primary School in Zone 8 of the settlement.

The event brought together refugees, host community members, government officials, and humanitarian partners.

Speaking at the event, Professor David Okello Owiny, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, said the institution remains committed to inclusive education and will continue to create academic opportunities for refugee learners.

“Every academic year, Gulu University admits about 6,000 students under both government and private sponsorship. Of these, we reserve up to 5% of admissions for refugee and host applicants either through direct entry or mature age entry,” said Prof. OKello.

He encouraged parents and guardians in the settlement to support their children beyond primary or secondary education. “Education should not stop at lower levels. Let your children dream of becoming professionals, doctors, engineers, teachers because the door to university is open for them too,” he added.

For mature age entry, which targets individuals aged 25 and above with work or life experience, refugees can also qualify regardless of their formal education background.

The UNHCR representative at the event, Ms. Iris Blom, welcomed the partnership and emphasized the importance of bridging the educational gap.

“This collaboration with Gulu University is a game-changer. Refugees have the right to quality education, and we must empower them with knowledge that will benefit both their communities and Uganda,” she said.

The initiative was met with enthusiasm from the refugee community. Grace Nyachot, a South Sudanese refugee and mother of three, expressed hope that her children will now have a better future.

“We’ve been worried about what happens after secondary school. Now, knowing that universities like Gulu are considering our children gives us renewed strength. My daughter wants to be a lawyer,” she said with a smile.

David Okello, a youth in Zone 8, added, “Many of us dropped out because we had no hope for higher education. With this, even mature entries give us a second chance. I will prepare myself and apply next year.”

Local leaders, including the Lamwo District Education Officer and the Office of the Prime Minister, praised the initiative and called for its extension to other refugee settlements.

The planned meeting between Gulu University and UNHCR will establish a formal framework to guide admissions, improve awareness, and support refugee students academically and emotionally.