By James Onono Ojok
I wish to thank the Nile Post for giving my appeal a platform last week when I raised concerns about the safety of students in Gulu City. I am pleased that the security leadership in Uganda has responded with action.
The arrest of the two prime suspects in the murder of Mr. John Bosco Ngire, a second-year student at Gulu University who was killed on October 10, 2026, is an important step towards justice. I understand that key exhibits, including the deceased’s phone and shoes, have been recovered and are in police custody. The next step is to allow the judicial process to take its course.
I commend the leadership of the Uganda Police Force in Kampala, under the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, for promptly dispatching two vehicles to Gulu on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to strengthen the operational capacity of Gulu Central Police Station and the Pece-Laroo Division. We hope that a dedicated police vehicle for Gulu University Police will also be provided in due course.
However, these efforts must not end with the recent arrests. Gulu University is still seeking accountability over the murder of its staff member, Nykeo Chris, who was reportedly killed by suspected members of a street gang in May 2026. Justice must be pursued in that case as well.
As the police respond to operational challenges by providing vehicles, the Office of the President should also consider addressing the transport challenges faced by the Gulu Resident City Commissioner, Ambrose Onoria, and his deputies.
Last week, at the height of the security crisis, I personally telephoned Hajj Yunus Kakande, Secretary in the Office of the President, who informed me that vehicles would be provided to the offices by November this year.
Addressing these logistical challenges is essential to strengthening coordination, improving response times and closing operational gaps in the fight against insecurity.
Beyond immediate interventions, Gulu City needs a sustainable, long-term strategy to address the persistent problem of Aguu street gangs. It is deeply troubling to see young people allegedly involved in violent crimes, with lives being lost and families left grieving. The situation calls for firm law enforcement, effective crime prevention, youth engagement and community cooperation.
For now, we pray for a speedy and fair judicial process and justice for the late Mr John Bosco Ngire, a former second-year student at Gulu University. We also hope that justice will be served in the case of Chris Nykeo.
The safety of students, university staff and the wider community must remain a priority. Gulu City must not lose more lives to preventable violence. Let the recent security interventions mark the beginning of sustained action to protect our educational institutions and restore public confidence in safety and justice.
The Writer is a University Spokesperson and Communication Expert.
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