Dieudonne Umuhoza

• Hometown: Nyagatare, Rwanda
• Languages Spoken: Kinyarwanda, English
• Major(s): Industrial engineering, Agroecology, and economics
• Certificate(s): TBD

Q and A with Dieudonne:

What is a fun fact about your hometown?

My hometown is known to others as the “milk town” because of the surrounding farming practices, yet ironically, milk is more expensive.

Why is being a King-Morgridge Scholar important to you?

The King-Morgridge Scholarship Program is important to me because it offers more than tangible resources—it embodies encouragement and hope. I see KMSP as a bridge connecting me to a dream that once felt beyond my reach. It is a source of strength and a fuel for aspirations—a family that encourages growth, success, and the commitment to give back to my communities.

What is your favorite thing about Madison?

I see Madison’s unique charm from being located between two beautiful lakes, offering incomparable view that suit relaxation after classes.

Why do you believe that the King-Morgridge Scholars Program at UW-Madison is important to the institution, state, and world?

The King Morgridge Scholar Program is an engine that fuels the young, dedicated leaders from underrepresented regions to dream beyond themselves. It nourishes the UW-Madison campus with a blend of fresh perspectives and experiences rooted in diversity. Beyond the university, these scholars will return to their communities and use the knowledge they’ve gained to tackle real-world problems. This makes the King Morgridge Scholar Program a pivot to move life beyond individuals and communities.

Are there specific issues in poverty alleviation or development that you would like to work on or are currently addressing?

Farmers in my community often lose time and income waiting in markets for buyers who may never come. In the future, I aim to build a system that connects farmers directly to buyers, eliminating the need to wait in markets and reducing crop loss. By combining improved market access with modern tools and education, I hope to transform farming into a reliable path out of poverty.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I lose myself in the vibrant rhythms of Amapiano songs, which energize my body while I try new moves. I also enjoy playing soccer—one of my favorite childhood games, often recalling the joy of playing barefoot in the garden mud after the rain.