By Agatha N Biira
Josephine Aanyu, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at Uganda Christian University (UCU), who also serves as the representative of the School of Law, has been elected as the speaker of the 25th guild government.
In an interview with the Standard, Aanyu stated that students should expect service delivery. “We are here to work for the students, and we shall not allow that to be compromised,” she said. “We intend to make class rounds every month to listen to students’ needs and to promote dialogue on whatever issues arise.”
Aanyu said she will employ her manifesto under the ideology dubbed “PAS,” which stands for policy review, accountability, and service delivery. She plans to review the number of guild representatives in the Guild Parliament.
As a way of being accountable to the electorate, Aanyu said parliamentary minutes and ongoing projects shall be displayed in designated areas that students can access and assess the performance of their representatives.
“Leadership means being a servant, and in case the electorate is dissatisfied, I will always be available,” she said.
Dismas Nuwaine, the representative of the School of Journalism, said he is confident that the speaker will deliver on her promise, that is, unify the house, since she was elected by the majority.
Asked why she chose to run for the position of speaker, Aanyu said she was inspired by the way the guild government under Bruce Amanya conducted students’ affairs. “They always listened and gave feedback to students, and that alone made me want to be part of the guild government someday,” she said.
Aanyu foresees high expectations from students as a challenge to the 25th guild government. “We have a short time frame to accomplish, but we shall be flexible to see that we achieve all our goals,” she said.
Born to the late John Francis Ayeko and Florence Apolot, Aanyu was raised in Ngora district, in the eastern region of Uganda. Aanyu served as the head girl of Kumi Primary School and the Minister of Academic Affairs at Parvatiben Muljibhai Madhvani (PMM) Girls’ School, Jinja. She was also a mentor under the High School Leadership Development Initiative under Cornerstone Development Africa.
John Paul Lwanga, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at UCU, said, “This is a good strategy given that the students’ body is the heart of the university.”
