By Dismas Nuwaine
In an inspiring show of unity and generosity, the 25th Guild government organised the Guild run dubbed “Guild Tuition Run” on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, to raise funds to support students facing tuition challenges. Hundreds of participants braved the chilly Saturday morning to join this noble cause, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushegyezi, who sported his signature bib.
Despite initial concerns about rain, the event proceeded smoothly. Brig. Gen. Abdul Rugumayo, the Deputy Director of Chieftaincy Military Intelligence (CMI) of Uganda, flagged off the run and then kicked off the fundraising ceremony that followed. General Rugumayo generously contributed UGX 3,000,000 from the CMI and pledged an additional UGX 2,000,000, sharing his personal connection to the cause by recounting his own financial struggles during his education.
General Rugumayo also expressed his gratitude for the university’s partnership with military intelligence and emphasised the importance of giving not because one has but because one can share.
“I come from a family that would have required this type of arrangement during my time studying,” said Rugumayo. “When I finished my senior four, I was not able to proceed to senior six. I had to go and work as a licenced teacher and get some money so as to continue the next year of study, “continued Rugumayo.
The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including Hon. Rabecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Affairs. Kadaga commended the Guild leadership for maintaining the tradition of philanthropy and made a significant donation of UGX 10,000,000, receiving cheers from the crowd.
“I am glad that the tradition has been maintained and that the young people are growing up as philanthropists. I know that from here you are going to grow up and serve society in different ways,” said Kadaga rather passionately.
“I am glad that the tradition has been maintained and that the young people are growing up as philanthropists. I know that from here you are going to grow up and serve society in different ways,” said Kadaga.
Prof. Aaron Mushegyezi, the Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Pamela Tumwebaze, the Head of the Directorate of Student Affairs, also pledged their support, contributing UGX 3,000,000 and UGX 1,000,000, respectively. In total, the fundraising efforts generated a tentative amount of approximately UGX 21,550,000 in both cash and pledges.
The proceeds will be handed over to the Guild Education Committee for distribution to students facing financial difficulties. The Minister for Education in the Students Guild expressed optimism about having more resources to work with, which will allow for increased support for students, potentially reducing the usual tuition fee contribution of UGX 200,000 and accommodating more beneficiaries.
Minister for Presidency Christy Asiimwe highlighted the importance of providing substantial support to reduce students’ financial burdens. She also stressed the need for the guild to engage in activities like the guild tuition run to source additional resources for their initiatives.
The run covered a six-kilometre route, starting at the UCU main gate, passing through Kyiko Market, Nabuti, and Shiloh, and returning to the starting point. The Guild Tuition Run is the first of two signature projects planned for the semester, with the Guild Cultural Gala scheduled for November 4, 2023, to celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural diversity.
