Gulu University Announces Second Cohort of TAGDev 2.0 Program Scholars for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Gulu University is proud to announce the selection of its second cohort of scholars under the TAGDev 2.0 program – a transformative initiative in partnership with the Regional University Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Mastercard Foundation.  This milestone reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers through experiential learning.

Rooted in its values for professionalism, integrity, effectiveness, accountability, teamwork, gender responsiveness and inclusivity, Gulu University offers a dynamic environment that supports both personal and professional development for its diverse scholars.

Selection process

Following a competitive application process launched in February 2025, the TAGDev 2.0 program received a total of 1,317 applications. After an extensive 5-stage selection process coordinated by RUFORUM, 30 outstanding candidates were awarded scholarships.

The second cohort embody diversity and equity:

• 70% are women, reinforcing the programs commitment to gender equality
• 30% are men, ensuring that the ‘boy-child’ is not left behind
• 30% are refugees, guaranteeing support for marginalized communities
• 20% are differently abled, underlining a strong focus on inclusion

Below is a table listing the selected scholars

About RUFORUM and TAGDev

RUFORUM, established in 2004, is a network of 175 universities across 40 African countries which collaborates globally with other university networks, development partners, policymakers, and leaders to leverage synergies and work towards shared objectives in delivering science solutions for development, human capital development, and institutional reform in the African Higher Agricultural Education (HAE) system. RUFORUM recognize’ s youth as the driving force behind change and are leading the charge for a better Africa. Launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the TAGDev 2.0 (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development), a scale-up to TAGDev 1.0 is a 10 year (2023–2033) program being implemented in 12 African universities, namely;

1. African University (Zimbabwe
2. Egerton University (Kenya)
3. Gulu University (Uganda)
4. Malawi University of Science and Technology (Malawi)
5. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco)
6. National University of Agriculture Benin
7. Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda)
8. University of Bamenda (Cameroon)
9. University of Eldoret (Kenya)
10. University of Cape Coast (Ghana)
11. University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
12. University of Free State (South Africa)

TAGDev 2.0 is designed to;

• Expand equal work opportunities for young women and men in the agricultural sector
• Improve climate adaptive agricultural production and productivity with a focus on value chains
• Strengthening the quality of higher agricultural education outcomes in training, research and innovation.

Why it matters

TAGDev 2.0 is more than just a scholarship – it is a viable platform working towards transforming Africa’s higher education landscape. By promoting equity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership, it empowers youth facing barriers to education, poverty, displacement, and climate vulnerability. Through its involvement, Gulu University is cultivating a new generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders poised to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

To learn more about the TAGDev program at Gulu University, follow the social media handles below.

• TAGDev 2.0 Website
• TAGDev 2.0 linkedIn page
• TAGDev 2.0 Facebook page
• TAGDev2.0 YouTube channel