Uganda: Gulu University, Adjumani Elders Forum Sign Pact to Strengthen Refugee-Host Relations

22 July 2025
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Martin Okudi

Gulu University has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Adjumani District Elders Forum (ADEFO) to jointly establish and manage the Adjumani Alu Centre for Hosts and Refugees--a community-academic partnership aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between local Madi communities and South Sudanese refugees.

The term Alu, meaning "togetherness" in the Madi language, captures the spirit of the centre, which will serve as a hub for cultural preservation, conflict resolution, academic research, and community engagement.

The facility will also house an archive documenting the region's history of forced displacement and will host exhibitions, training sessions, and forums.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. George Ladah Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, described the MoU as a commitment to shared knowledge and inclusive development.

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"We are not just signing papers--we are opening doors to mutual learning and a shared future between academics and the communities we serve," he said.

ADEFO Chairperson Paulino Vusso welcomed the collaboration, saying the centre would uphold truth, unity, and respect while acting as a bridge between researchers and local wisdom.

"This partnership marks a historic moment for us. ADEFO is committed to receiving and guiding researchers while maintaining a space for truth, unity, and mutual respect," he said.

The Alu Centre will be based at Pajeli Stadium in Adjumani Town in a hall built with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Under the MoU, Gulu University will provide desktop computers, a printer, and technical support for publishing and disseminating research, while ADEFO will lead community mobilisation, researcher orientation, and hosting.

Richard Edema Draciri, Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani District, described the initiative as a strategic milestone.

"This aligns perfectly with our district development goals. It is an opportunity to blend academic insight with local wisdom for the betterment of our communities," he said.

The partnership complements an earlier five-year MoU signed in 2022 between ADEFO and the Adjumani District Local Government.

The current agreement remains open for renewal upon expiry.

The signing was also witnessed by Prof. Charles Okumu, Chairperson of the Executive Committee for Building Stronger Universities IV (BSU IV); Dr. Agatha Alidri, BSU IV Coordinator; and Moses Omara, Legal Officer.

Representing ADEFO were Mahmoud Doka, Secretary, and Margaret Amoko, Treasurer.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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