By Yasiri J. Kasango and Bill Dan Arnold Borodi.
The Uganda Christian University(UCU) 27th Guild Government has officially taken over from the 26th Guild Government in a handover ceremony that happened on 20th January, 2025 at the Principal’s hall.
The event involved the swearing-in of the newly vetted Cabinet Ministers, including the Vice President, Prime Minister, Deputy Ministers, and the Chief Justice. It also included the exchange of instruments of power from the “Inclusivity in Action” government to the “Tusonge Mbele” government on top of awarding of certificates and the Orombi Excellence Award to the outstanding leaders.
Presiding over the event, UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi congratulated the outgoing government under the leadership of former President Agira Birungi for completing its term and reminded the incoming government under President Samantha Mwesigye about their responsibilities. “At UCU, we do not have opposition; we are all under one party,” Prof. Mushengyezi stated.
He emphasised the importance of the guild project as a mark of legacy, noting that he was unaware of the outgoing government’s specific project. “I don’t know the guild project for the outgoing guild government,” Prof. Mushengyezi said, adding that the guild project should define a government’s impact and serve as a benchmark for leadership.
He also urged the new guild government to uphold UCU’s reputation by maintaining the university’s brand and standards. “Work with the communication office to guide you on the UCU brand and colours,” he advised.
Pamela Tumwebaze, the Director of Student Affairs (DOSA), commended the outgoing government for their collaboration during her tenure. “Working with them has been interesting. I know they are Gen Z, and they made some mistakes, but we learnt together,” Tumwebaze noted.
She expressed optimism for the outgoing leaders, stating, “I look forward to seeing you in higher political offices, which will make me proud.” Tumunbwaze added that she is eager to see how the 27th Guild Government will shape its term.
Former President Agira, reflecting on her time in office and flanked by her Vice President, Richard Mutebi Miiro, expressed gratitude to her cabinet and team for their support throughout their term. She highlighted her achievements, including a consistent increase in the tuition fund. “Through the Ministry of Education, we initiated the Writing Week,” stated Agira.
“We were also able to organise indoor games at the halls of residence,” she added. Agira assured President Mwesigye that she could reach out freely to her and her team for guidance, stating, “You are not successful until your successor is successful,” and she appreciated previous guild administrations for their support. “One year is very short; don’t focus on petty things,” she advised Mwesigye.
President Mwesigye, in her address, stated that her government will be the most impactful in UCU history. “I am confident,” she added. She cautioned her leaders to serve the students, saying, “Remember why I appointed you. I know you are hardworking and have the heart of servant leadership; only then will we deliver our manifesto,” she stated
List of Orombi Guild Excellence Award and Award winners
EDONU EMMANUEL- Exemplary Service Award (Guild Speaker, Mp Residents)
NAWAF KHALID- Most Outstanding Student Leader (President Law Society)
KOBUSINGYE NANCY- Service Excellence Award(Staff in the DOSA’s office)
TUMWEBAZE PAMELA- Visionary Director of the Year (DOSA)
MUTEBI RICHARD MIIRO- Legacy Leadership Award (Vice President)
AGIRA BIRUNGI- Inclusive Leadership Award (Guild President)
KABATESI DEBORAH- Legacy Service Award (Deputy Speaker, Mp Residents)
KOBUZALE DESIRE- Excellence in Accountability Award (Minister Finance, Mp Engineering)
LWANGA EZRA- Ministerial Excellence Award(Minister of Education)
MULENGETI DANIEL- Parliamentarian of the Year (MOFA, Mp International Students)
ADWET ALEXANDRIA- Parliamentarian of the Year (Mp non-residents, Deputy Welfare Minister)
