By Yasiri J. Kasango
In her newly assumed role as the 27th Guild President of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Samantha Akankunda Mwesigye has vowed to address critical student concerns, including tuition issues, security, student welfare, and accountability. The 23-year-old third-year law student has outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at improving the university experience for her peers.
Recognising the financial struggles many students face, Mwesigye has placed tuition issues at the forefront of her manifesto. She acknowledged that while she cannot alter the university’s tuition policy, her administration is committed to increasing access to financial aid through the Guild Fund.
“Many students struggle to pay full tuition on time, and this affects their academic progress. One of my primary goals is to ensure that the Guild Fund is well-resourced and readily available for tuition top-ups,” she said. To achieve this, Mwesigye plans to advocate for an increment in the allocation of Guild Fund resources toward tuition support, ensuring that more students can benefit.
She also aims to explore partnerships with external stakeholders to create scholarships and other funding opportunities for financially vulnerable students.
Safety and security on campus remain a major concern for students, and Mwesigye’s administration is determined to address this issue. She has proposed the installation of surveillance cameras in halls of residence as part of a broader strategy to enhance security.
“The safety of students is non-negotiable. By working closely with the university administration, I plan to ensure that surveillance systems are installed in key areas to deter crime and create a safer environment for all students,” she explained.
In addition to physical security measures, Mwesigye plans to engage student leaders and university officials in open discussions to identify and address security gaps. She has pledged to meet with students regularly to gather feedback and ensure that their concerns are prioritised.
A key pillar of Mwesigye’s platform is the enhancement of student life. She believes that a vibrant and inclusive campus experience is essential for holistic education. As part of her efforts, she has already initiated discussions with the state minister for sports and education to address challenges facing UCU’s sports community.
“Sports is a vital part of the student experience, and UCU has a proud history of excellence in this area. My administration is committed to revitalising the sports programmes and ensuring that our athletes feel valued and supported,” she said.
During her campaigns, Mwesigye said she engaged extensively with the sports community to understand their challenges. She noted that many sports programmes face funding constraints, which have led to a reduction in scholarships for student-athletes. To address this, she plans to lobby the administration for increased investment in sports and explore partnerships with external organisations to secure sponsorships.
“Our university has produced exceptional athletes who have gone on to represent Uganda on national and international stages. By investing in sports, we can not only maintain this legacy but also inspire more students to excel in their respective disciplines,” she emphasised.
Beyond sports, Mwesigye’s vision for student life includes fostering a culture of open communication between the student body and the administration. She has promised to hold bi-semester town hall meetings where students can share their concerns and receive updates on the progress of her administration’s initiatives.
Mwesigye’s administration is also focused on promoting transparency and accountability within the guild government. She has proposed the establishment of an Inspector General of Government (IGG) office at UCU, a move she believes will strengthen oversight and ensure responsible use of resources.
“Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of effective leadership. The creation of the IGG office will provide an additional layer of oversight and help restore trust in student leadership,” she said.
Although the IGG office is not yet fully operational, Mwesigye has already appointed interim officials to begin laying the groundwork. She is currently working with the university administration and student parliament to formalise the office’s structure and mandate.
Mwesigye’s commitment to leadership and service is deeply rooted in her personal values and upbringing. Her journey to the guild presidency began in primary school, where she served as head prefect at Kampala Parents School. Her leadership trajectory continued through her time at King’s College London, where she studied law for a year before transferring to UCU to stay connected to her Ugandan roots.
As a student at UCU, Mwesigye has demonstrated her dedication to service through various initiatives. She co-founded Afrika’s Future Leaders, a student-led society aimed at transforming the mindset of African youths through thought-provoking discussions. She also represented UCU in the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition in Kenya, showcasing her advocacy skills on an international platform.
“Service is at the core of who I am. I pursued law because I believe in advocating for others, and my role as Guild President is an extension of that commitment,” she said.
Mwesigye’s leadership style is characterised by collaboration and inclusivity. She has emphasised the importance of working closely with her executive team, student parliament, and the university administration to achieve her goals.
“Leadership is not about what one person can achieve but about what we can accomplish together. My team and I are committed to serving the students and making UCU a better place for everyone,” she said.
Her approach to leadership is inspired by her faith and the example of servant leadership set by Jesus Christ.
“Jesus Christ embodies the qualities of servant leadership, and that has been the foundation of my manifesto. True leadership is about putting the needs of others before your own and working tirelessly to make a positive impact,” she explained.
Mwesigye went ahead to say that she draws a lot of inspiration from her parents, Fred and Enid Mwesigye. “I like the way my parents conduct their leadership role, and they highly inspire me,” added Mwesigye.
With her long and ambitious list of items she plans for her team to achieve, the university community will be waiting expectantly.
