By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Visual relief, shared laughter, symbolic gestures, and restored synergy were vividly evident at the joyous atmosphere during the Lira University’s 2nd Special Council meeting held at the Public Health Board Room on 14th October 2026.
As the Council members expounded reconciliation, peace and unity between the University Top Management and the Council, they would at some moments lean forward, smile, and engage in genuine eye contact across the Board Room table. The University Council Chairperson, Mr. David Geoffrey Opiokello, former Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda, presided over the meeting.
Mr. Opiokello said when long-standing institutional disagreements or administrative stalemates are successfully resolved, the shift in energy is palpable.
University Council meeting chaired by Mr. David Geoffrey Opiokello at the Public Health Board Room on 14th October 2026
“As we attend the special meeting of the University Council, I want to acknowledge the recent friction and divergent perspectives within our university. Our primary duty remains the advancement of academic excellence and the welfare of our students. True governance requires us to step past individual differences. Let us align our efforts to restore a stable, productive environment for our entire community,” Mr. Opiokello said amidst applause from the audience.
Mr. Opiokello said, “I urge all members to commit to continuing to listen, learn, and take part in meaningful change, both personally and professionally,” adding that, as members of the University Council, it’s important for us all to understand our roles in the enduring legacies and guiding principles within the University structures, and our opportunities to contribute to building the University to greater heights, healing past wrongs, and creating spaces for individual, collective, and institutional change.”
Lira City Mayor, Hon. Atul Sam said, “healthy institutional disagreement drives innovation, sharpens problem-solving, provided it focuses on ideas rather than personal egos, “adding that, facts, truths and overcoming a disagreement constructively proves that honest debate does not damage relationships.
Hon. Sam Atul, taking an Oath of Council Membership
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng said, “I return to this Council with a grateful heart, renewed commitment and profound appreciation for the resilience of our University community.”
Assoc. Prof. Judith Akello Abal, the Ag. DVC(AA), read the written speech of Prof. Ogwal Okeng, at the meeting.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng appreciated the Chairperson of Council, Council members, senate and the entire Management team for their willingness to mend fences, rebuild trust and embrace a renewed spirit of cooperation.
“This is a defining moment for Lira University. Our differences must never become greater than our shared duty to the students we teach, the parents who entrust us with their children, the staff who serve this institution and the nation whose future we help shape.,” the VC said.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng revealed that recent engagements with oversight institutions, including the National Council for Higher Education, have provided opportunities to examine our systems, facilities, governance and academic standards.
“We welcome such scrutiny as an essential element of accountability and continuous improvement. Our institutional record, demonstrated work and independent assessments should guide our collective understanding of the University, rather than unverified public narratives,” he said, adding, “We must remain confident, transparent and committed to addressing every legitimate concern through established institutional processes.”
Assoc. Prof. David Mwesigwa taking oath of secrecy
On the University’s success stories, Prof. Ogwal Okeng said, our progress gives us good reason for confidence. The construction of our Administration Block had reached 95% completion by June 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening our institutional infrastructure. We presented seven proposed academic programmes, including doctoral programmes, to the National Council for Higher Education for verification and accreditation consideration.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that Lira University’s participation in the five-year, European Union-funded M-CARE research initiative reinforces its contribution to collaborative research and integrated healthcare in Uganda and beyond. “These milestones reflect a University that is building, learning, innovating and expanding its contribution to society,” he observes.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng advised that, “as we resume our Council business, let us focus on what unites us: quality education, research excellence, student welfare, staff development, institutional integrity, prudent resource management and service to the public.,” adding that, let us strengthen the partnership between Council and Management, respect our respective mandates, communicate constructively and resolve disagreements through dialogue, evidence and due process.
He asserted that leadership is ultimately measured not by the absence of differences, but by our ability to rise above them in pursuit of a greater purpose. “Lira University is bigger than any one individual, office or disagreement. Its future depends on our collective wisdom, mutual respect and shared determination to deliver on its mandate,” he notes.
Ms. Adong Juliet swearing in office as LUASA-Female Representative to Council
Prof. Ogwal Okeng further appealed, “Let us turn a new page, not by forgetting our responsibilities, but by renewing our commitment to one another and to the University we serve. History will best remember us for the institution we build together, the opportunities we create for our students and the positive difference we make in the lives of our people.”
He lauded the Council and Management for choosing cooperation over division and institutional progress over personal differences. “I look forward to working with you all in unity, trust and renewed purpose. Together, we shall move Lira University forward, for our students, for our communities and for Uganda,” he said.
Ms. Nellie Florence Okullo, Vice Chair Council, said, “moving forward, let us commit to transparency, accountability and absolute adherence to administrative procedures. We leave this room with a unified mandate to support the management in executing the university’s strategic vision.”
Dr. Robert Omara said, “Together, we must do more than just talk, we must be guided by the laws in all that we do. Let us refrain from taking sides, disagreements should not be considered personal.”
Ms. Anna Grace Auma, taking an oath of Office Secrecy as the Council member representing Senate(Female)
Ag. University Secretary, Mr. Atim Tom revealed that they have written to the Ministry of Public Service, seeking permission and a supplementary wage budget for the replacement of the staff whose contracts ended on 30th June 2026. Consequently, a select committee chaired by Mr. Opiokello, the Council Chair, was formed and tasked to consult with key offices at the Ministry of Public Service and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development over the pending approval of filling the critical positions at the university.
Meanwhile, seven new members of the Council were sworn in. They are; Hon. Sam Atul (Lira City Council Representative), Assoc. Prof. David Mwesigwa (Senate Representative-Male), Ms. Annan Grace Auma (Senate Representative-Female), Ms. Adong Juliet (LUASA Representative –Female), Mr. Oboi Alex (LUASA Representative-Male), Mr. Benedict Arach (Guild President) and Ms. Fortunate Lagum (Vice Guild President).
Other members present were; Dr. Rosie Agoi, Mr. Bosco Onyik Ogwal, Mr. Timothy Jokenne Okee, Hon. Dickens Odongo, Ms. Wadumaga Falidah, Mr. Fred Ongom Ojok, Ms. Agnes Baku Channdia, CPA. Anthony Elemu and Mr. Moses Kahaawa. Several issues were discussed and resolved for action.