Gulu University Awarded Africa’s Most Impactful University in Rural Transformation

Gulu University Awarded Africa’s Most Impactful University in Rural Transformation.
Gulu University has been awarded “Most Impactful University in Rural Transformation and Community Development” at the 3rd Edition of African Academia Conference and Awards 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The university was awarded by the Business Executive Media Group, a Global body that identifies and publicly recognizes exemplary performance and conduct by Academic Institutions, individuals, private enterprises and other public institutions.

The Gulu University delegation was led by Mrs. Mary Theresa Obbo, Chairperson Council and the Vice Chancellor Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru who received the award on Wednesday 5th November, 2025 from M-Hotel, Kigali with tons of ululations filling up the night for this outstanding achievement and contribution to academia.

The Gulu University Delegation having a photo moment after receiving the award in Kigali
While receiving the award, the Gulu University Vice Chancellor Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru appreciated the Business Executive Media Group for honoring the university with the award which according to him is a motivating tool for more great achievements yet to come.
“Thank you for the nomination and award given to us, it goes a long way in encouraging us to do more,” VC Openjuru joyfully said.

Gulu University Vice Chancellor, Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru appreciating the Business Executive for the award.
The award ceremony which ran under the theme “Digital Transformation, Renewable Energy, and ICT Solutions for Education in Africa” brought on board higher education institutions, researchers, those in academia and innovators across EAC and West African Countries.

Gulu University was selected for its outstanding contributions to academia and socio-economic impact in Africa. The award is a testament to the professional excellence, research, and dedication to transforming Africa’s academia for socio-economic impact and progress.

Dr. Jerry Bagaya, the Gulu University Academic Registrar during the award ceremony in Kigali.
This recognition highlights the university’s strong focus on community transformation, with its programs in agriculture, medicine, education and law specifically geared towards promoting agri-activity, training for rural health facilities, and preparing teachers for rural schools.

The university has also previously been recognized for its impact at a national level, including being named the Best Public University of the Year 2024 at the 12th edition of the Visionaries Awards, an event organized by the National Planning Authority and the Visionaries Board to celebrate institutions working towards Uganda’s Vision 2040.

The awardees from different countries at the 3d Edition of this year’s awards ceremony holding their awards for a photo moment.

The African Academia Awards 2025 motto is “Transforming Africa Academia for Socio-Economic Impact and Progress,” which reflects the commitment to celebrating and empowering academics who drive positive change in Africa.

This edition follows the successful second edition of the African Academia Awards and Conference, which took place on November 14th, 2024, at the Capital Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.