By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
Students leaders have been urged to continue learning and to desist from identity politics .This was at the recently concluded 34th Inter-Guild Council of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) convened by Rt Hon Emmanuel Edonu, the Speaker of the 26th Guild Government at Uganda Christian University, Mukono,
Mr Vincent Kisenyi the Dean of Students Business School in his welcome remarks to the delegates on behalf of the Dean of Students Pamela Tumwebaze, emphasised the need for mindset change among the youth. He stressed that the young people are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship but they can only do such well, if they have soft-skills like time management.
“Time management is a litmus test for a good leader,” said Kisenyi. “You define your life in terms of time. If you can’t manage time, you can’t manage your life. If you can’t manage your life, you can’t manage others,” he added.
Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and chief Guest, delivered a key message around detrimental effects of identity politics in Africa highlighting the critical need for leadership training, emphasising that effective leadership requires deliberate study and action rather than mere presence.
“Leadership isn’t something you catch like a cold from sitting next to someone,” he quipped, “Leadership is about conscious study, educating yourself about society, and once you understand, actively engage in activities that would transform society.”The theme of the event was “Education for Economic Empowerment: Transforming Uganda through Skills, Innovations, and Entrepreneurship,” and attracted over 300 student leaders from across Ugandan universities.
Katabazi advocated for an education system that not only imparts skills but also decolonises the mindset of young leaders, urging them to value indigenous knowledge systems. “We must embrace our roots while reaching for the stars,” he stated.
In his address, Col. Katabazi also announced plans for future engagements between ISO’s top brass and UNSA leaders to further explore how youth can significantly contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, signaling a collaborative approach to national development.
Francis Okot, the UNSA President, agreed with Katabazi’s message, emphasising the pivotal role of education in economic empowerment. “This isn’t just about learning; it’s about building a nation,” said Okot
“Each and everyone of us has the ability to create impact and change in society, so don’t look down on yourself,” Edonu advised.
According to the UNSA Constitution as amended, the Inter-Guild Council which is the supreme organ of UNSA sits twice every year, with the last meeting being the annual general meeting at the end of December each year.
The UNSA Council comprises four students from each district’s council, four leaders from each Guild government, the National Secretariat Administrative staff and the Honorary members (ex officio).
