GULU. Uganda’s Gulu University has been named the Most Impactful University in Rural Transformation and Community Development.
This was announced during the 3rd Edition of the African Academia Conference and Awards 2025, held at M-Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
The prestigious award was presented to the university’s delegation on November 5 2025, by the Business Executive Media Group, a global organisation that recognises excellence and innovation among universities, private enterprises, and public institutions across Africa and beyond.
The Gulu University team was led by Mary Theresa Obbo, chairperson of the university council, and Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, the vice chancellor, who received the award to loud applause.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Openjuru expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the recognition would inspire the university to achieve even greater impact.
“Thank you for the nomination and award given to us; it goes a long way in encouraging us to do more,” he said.
Held under the theme “Digital Transformation, Renewable Energy, and ICT Solutions for Education in Africa,” the 2025 conference brought together universities, researchers, innovators, and education leaders from across the continent.
Championing rural transformation through education
Gulu University was honoured for its outstanding contribution to academia and socio-economic development, particularly its commitment to practice-oriented education and community engagement.
Guided by its motto “For Community Transformation,” the university’s Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25) prioritises sustainable rural development. Its programmes in agriculture, medicine, business, education, and law are designed to serve rural communities — training teachers for remote schools, preparing health professionals for rural facilities, and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
The university’s research initiatives also address pressing challenges affecting northern Uganda, including malaria, mosquito insecticide resistance, food safety, mycotoxins, and Nodding syndrome — all of which have direct implications for community health and productivity.
The Faculty of Law and the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies have played a vital role in resolving land disputes, fostering peaceful coexistence, and supporting agricultural expansion through improved land management.
Through the Transforming Employability for Social Change in East Africa (TESCEA) project, Gulu University has developed a transformative teaching model that produces graduates equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work effectively in rural areas.
A model institution for Africa
The Selection Committee described Gulu University as “a model of how African institutions can bridge the academia-community divide to drive meaningful development.”
This latest accolade builds on previous recognition, including the university’s 2024 award as Best Public University of the Year at the Visionaries Awards, organised by the National Planning Authority and the Visionaries Board of Uganda.
The African Academia Awards 2025, held under the motto “Transforming Africa’s Academia for Socio-Economic Impact and Progress,” celebrates institutions and individuals driving positive change across the continent — with Gulu University now firmly among Africa’s leading examples of academic innovation and community impact.