Gulu University, in collaboration with Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), has successfully concluded the Second Joint Orientation on Career Preparation and Social Skills for TAGDev 2.0 scholars, held from 16th to 22nd December 2025 at Bomah Hotel, Gulu.
The orientation brought together 61 TAGDev 2.0 scholars from Gulu University and 16 scholars from Uganda Martyrs University as part of the Program’s structured capacity development activities. The initiative aimed at strengthening scholars’ academic readiness, leadership capacity, career preparedness, and social skills in line with TAGDev 2.0 program objectives.
Enhancing Scholar Capacity and Career Readiness
During the orientation, scholars participated in a series of interactive training sessions focusing on:
- Understanding the TAGDev 2.0 Program, scholars’ roles, and responsibilities
- Leadership development, self-mastery, and personal vision building
- Entrepreneurship, innovation, and agribusiness development
- Community Action Research, Service Learning, and Problem-Based Learning
- Digital tools, ICT, and AI applications for learning and research
- Academic writing, research support, and communication skills
- Personal finance and financial literacy
- Team-building and peer networking activities
The sessions were facilitated by experienced academics and professionals from Gulu University, Uganda Martyrs University, and partner institutions, using participatory and learner-centred approaches.
Strengthening Collaboration and Community Engagement
The joint orientation provided an important platform for peer learning and cross-institutional collaboration between scholars from the two universities. Emphasis was placed on community engagement and service learning, reinforcing scholars’ role as agents of positive change in their communities and within Africa’s agri-food systems.
Commitment to Transformative Higher Education
The successful completion of the orientation underscores the commitment of Gulu University, Uganda Martyrs University, RUFORUM, and The Mastercard Foundation to advancing transformative higher education through the TAGDev 2.0 Program. The orientation contributes directly to the program’s goal of developing ethical, entrepreneurial, and community-centred leaders capable of driving sustainable development in Africa.
Gulu University appreciates the dedication of the scholars, facilitators, and university leadership whose support ensured the success of this important program activity.
