UPA Gulu branch is located in northern Uganda, Gulu District. UPA started operating in Gulu in 1995, however, continuous interruptions during the war made Gulu an area where volunteers could not go freely until 2006.

Many embassies did not initially allow international help to step in the area, but now Gulu rivals Kampala in terms of international people living and working in the area.

Since peace returned to Gulu, life is getting back to normal. Many people are finally able to resettle and return to their homes after decades of living in Internationally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. At the height of the insurgency, most UPA activities were centered on finding peace and resolving armed conflict. In efforts to find peace, with the help of other partners UPA held two successful work camps that focused on peace building and creating both local and international awareness.

UPA, Gulu Branch has participated in many peace and conflict resolution initiatives, jointly with other community members and organizations, including Diocese of Northern Uganda, Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative, Gulu Peace Committee, Save the Children, World Vision, MS Uganda and more.

Gulu Branch has faced many challenges in its effort to remain relevant to the community.  Limited funding and low volunteer turn up, both internationally and within Uganda are among some of the main issues. Another initial issue was the risk involved in traveling to work camp areas and activities that were held in Gulu. But, despite the many challenges, UPA continued to mobilize local youth to take leading role in their community development.

UPA has initiated many agricultural projects in Gulu, such as piggery, raising coffee seedlings for farmers, fish farming and the Apiary project. However many of these were never completed because sometimes the project sites were cut off due to insecurity.

However, Gulu branch is now stronger than ever. In 2011, the branch was revived. It held a successful work camp on culture and resettlement where the campers initiated the construction of a youth cultural and resource center in Patiko, one of the areas of return for the people of Uganda.