By Timothy Okurut
The Guild Governments of both the Mukono and Kampala Campuses have jointly been sworn in today. Presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration (DVC F&A), Mr. David Mugawe, the event was held in the University Archives boardroom in the Mukono campus.
In his remarks, Mugawe urged the new leaders to address their minds to the Student’s Charter, a document that entails the responsibilities of the university administration towards the student body. “It informs you of what management has pledged and it’s a doorway for you to engage with us,” Mugawe said.
In the city campus, H.E Mwima Ivan Hiire handed over office to Ruthy Ahabwe Kente while H.E Samantha Mwesigye stepped down for H.E Abraham Elomaboni in the Mukono campus. The Ahabwe government has branded themselves as the “Legacy government.” This move continues a culture of name identity that has been handed down from Guild Governments in the Kampala campus with the Mwima government having been called the “Chosen government,” and their predecessors the “People’s government.”
In her remarks, Ahabwe encouraged the new leaders to exercise patience and keep a close relationship with the administration. She also expressed admiration for the journey that Elomaboni took to the presidency while pointing to his campaign attire that also made her think that he was a student from the faculty of Engineering. “I want to thank God on your behalf and I’m happy to work with you and your entire government.”
Elomaboni in his speech remarked that he experienced the status quo and had a desire for a new experience in the mode of administration being delivered by Guild Governments. He also stated that he presented it as an idea to the students and they owned it. “It was an idea that developed into a vision, and now its a movement of stewardship.” He also went ahead to issue three executive orders to his team which he also urged Ahabwe to adopt. First, that the appointed Guild members sign their appointment letters, secondly that they all attend the Para-Counseling and First Undergraduate Experience in Leadership(FUEL) programs to beef their leadership potential and finally, that they revive the culture of having team fellowships, a custom that was last seen with the 25th Guild Government of H.E Timothy Ddumba.
Mwesigye, his predecessor was absent at the event along with a number of officials from the outgoing team including both Prime Ministers. The same stance was noticed during the swearing in ceremony of the President and the Members of Parliament (MPs) two weeks ago. The outgoing Vice President, Elton Mwidu handed over office on behalf of Mwesigye. Attempts were made to reach out to her to ask why she was absent but her phone was off. Similarly, both her Prime Ministers did not respond to any of our calls.
