A delegation from Norway visited Gulu University on March 10, 2025, to strengthen academic collaborations and assess ongoing joint projects. The team, led by Prof. Astrid Sinnes, the Deputy Vice Rector of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), included Ms. Iben Andersen, Head of International Relations at NMBU, and Prof. Ingunn Engebretsen from the University of Bergen.
The delegation’s visit focused on discussions about Global University Academy (GUA), a consortium of universities from Europe, America, and Africa. GUA aims to develop a globally recognized education system for refugees and local communities.
The team also reviewed existing projects between Gulu University and NMBU.
During a meeting with Gulu University’s top management, Prof. Sinnes expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are excited to work with Gulu University and believe we can develop something impactful for both the university and the target communities,” she said.
Dr. Solomon Olum, who coordinates two Norwegian-funded projects under the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted Gulu University’s role in GUA. He noted that Uganda would pilot the academy in 2026, pending funding.
He also mentioned a workshop in Kampala, organized by GUA partners, to discuss launching the initiative in the Adjumani refugee settlement.
Dr. Olum also presented ongoing research collaborations between Gulu University and NMBU, focusing on four major projects:
- NORPART Project – “Partnership for Education in Refugee-Host Contexts: Joint Learning Towards Food Security and Sustainable Development in Uganda,” coordinated by Dr. Olum and funded by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills.
- ECOFOOD Project – “Creating Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems in Refugee Hosting Contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa,” a four-year project in Uganda and Tanzania, funded by the Research Council of Norway and coordinated by Dr. Olum.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa – Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through NORHED II, coordinated by Dr. Alfred Obia.
- Climate-Smart Innovation in Agriculture in Uganda – Focused on improving food security, livelihoods, and soil carbon, funded by the Research Council of Norway and coordinated by Dr. Obia.
Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, welcomed the delegation and appreciated their commitment to collaborative research and education. “These partnerships align with our vision and mission of transforming communities,” he stated.
Dr. Collins Okello, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, assured the delegation of continued faculty support for the four ongoing projects.
The visit reaffirmed the growing collaboration between Gulu University and Norwegian institutions, paving the way for enhanced research, education, and community-focused initiatives.
