Gulu University will recognise the academic achievement of a student who died in a road accident before its upcoming graduation ceremony by awarding him a degree posthumously.
Philip Kilama, who was studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Management, died on October 23, 2026, following a road accident in Ogom Village, Pucota Parish, Angagura Sub-county, Pader District.
According to reports, Kilama was riding his motorcycle, registration number UG-5955C, when a speeding car knocked him down, leaving him with fatal injuries.
His death occurred just weeks before the university’s 22nd graduation ceremony, scheduled for November 13, 2026. He had reportedly visited the institution on the day of the accident and completed payment of his tuition fees as part of preparations for graduation.
However, the university has confirmed that Kilama had fulfilled all the academic requirements needed to graduate and will ensure that his efforts are formally recognised.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor David Okello Owiny made the announcement during a media briefing on Wednesday, saying the institution would present the deceased student’s family with his degree certificate and academic transcript.
The university is also preparing to confer honorary doctoral awards on two other individuals during the ceremony.
An unnamed deceased person will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree, while a woman will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters for her contribution to peacebuilding.
Owiny said the woman had taken part in peacebuilding efforts in Cambodia, Sudan and, more recently, Ukraine.
The forthcoming event will be Gulu University’s 22nd graduation ceremony since the institution was established in 2002.
Four candidates are also expected to receive doctoral degrees, including an international student who completed studies in Agricultural and Applied Sciences.
