The first Gulu University and Uganda Martyrs University joint orientation for TAGDev 2.0 students held in Gulu City on 25th and 26th October 2025

Gulu University and Uganda Martyrs University held a joint orientation for TAGDev2.0-supported students admitted to pursue various undergraduate and master’s degree academic programmes in the two higher education institutions in Uganda. Gulu University have 61 while Uganda Martyrs University have 16 students supported by the TAGDev 2.0 Program. TAGDev 2.0 stands for “Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development”. The main objective of the orientation was to align the students to the goal of the TAGDev 2.0 program, by enabling Africa’s young people and their institutions to drive inclusive, equitable and resilient socio-economic development in their societies.
The orientation that took place on October, 25 and 26th 2025 at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City hosted by Gulu University also had 39 students studying at Gulu University and supported by the Federation of African Women Educationist (FAWE) initiative. This provided opportunity for cross-learning between FAWE-supported and TAGDev 2.0-supported students.
Prof. Duncan Ongeng, the coordinator of TAGDev 2.0 at Gulu University informed the congregation that combining participants (students and staff) of the TAGDev 2.0 program from Gulu University and Uganda Martyrs University was meant to build synergies among RUFORUM member universities participating in theTAGDev 2.0 program in Uganda. He added that the joint orientation provided opportunity for Uganda Martyrs University to learn from Gulu University’s experience of successful implementation TAGDev101 that was piloted by Gulu University and Egerton University (Kenya) and formed the basis for the TAGDev 2.0 successor program.

Prof. Duncan Ongeng, the coordinator of TAGDev 2.0 at Gulu University, addressing the students
Dr. Robinah S. Nakabo who is the Director Graduate Studies, Research and Enterprise, and the Coordinator of TAGDev 2.0 at Uganda Martyrs University confirmed that indeed they have a lot to learn from Gulu University.
“We are learning from Gulu University and we still want to learn more and more since when we join the strands, we shall become stronger. The young people who were participants of TAGDev 101 are amazing, we need more tracer studies and learn more from them”. Said Dr. Robinah.
Dr. Okello Collins, the Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University urged the scholars to be serious and ensure that they change the status of their humble background and challenged them on being critical thinkers.

Dr. Okello Collins delivering his message to the scholars
“You have been selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants to join TAGdev 2.0 program hence you need to be critical thinkers and problem solvers”. Dr Okello challenged.
Dr. Jerry Bagaya, the Gulu University Academic Registrar told the scholars to work hard in class and listen to their lectures and avoid being lazy with temptation that could drive them to engaging in examination malpractices.
“Don’t add on the numbers of examination malpractice in these two universities in your years of study since examination malpractice committee shall show you no mercy because you are aTAGev.20 scholar”. Dr. Bagaya warned.

Dr. Jerry Bagaya, the Academic Registrar of Gulu University delivering his speech
Prof. David Okello-Owiny, the Gulu University Deputy University Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs said the young people should change the trajectory of farming in Uganda by getting involved early in agriculture.
“You are the change agents we need, in Uganda people start farming when they are old by using their pension money but be a different generation and change the trend”. Prof. Okello-Owiny said.
Prof. Okello-Owiny also used the opportunity to persuade the students to focus on their education since they have a sponsorship from TAGDev 2.0 or FAWE program and should desist from leisure that could mislead them in to marriages without planning.
“Be achievers and focus on academics for now, please young men desist also from contributing to statistics that brings the girl child down from being achievers”. He said.

Prof. Okello David Owiny, the Deputy Vice Chancellor A.A speaking to the students.
The orientation also brought achievers of TAGDev 101 who are regularly engaged to inspire and motivate TAGdev 2.0 students on various aspects of real-life ranging from life skills to innovation and creativity needed for the young people to succeed.