By Ivan Tsebeni
The community of Uganda Christian University (UCU) South Sudanese Students Association (UCUSSSA) has today on March 19 welcomed new leadership. This event took place at UCU main campus. The outgoing leadership of president Billy Gok Yor was handed over to the incoming government of Kut Majur Nhial.
Upon receiving instruments of power, Mr. Kut vowed to work tirelessly to ensure the ‘transformation and expansion’ of the students’ association in the institution. He also said that his leadership would focus on building more cohesive collaboration with the embassy and ‘home’ government.
“We have received power today knowing that it is a responsibility to serve the people. We are here to serve and nothing else,” Kut said.
He also rallied fellow learners to work with him cooperatively to ensure their nice stay and study in Uganda. He stressed that their country has suffered endless wars which he said cost the young nation’s development which he said will only end through elite discussions.
“We are the solutions to the problems our country currently faces. We need to stand up and defend our nation,” Kut said.
The outgoing president, Gok, expressed his gratitude towards everyone for allowing him to serve them throughout his tenure.
“I have faced a few hardships, but everyone has been so supportive. It is time for us to give chance to the new team,” Gok said.
Rev. William Akol, the Representative of Education “attache” to the Embassy of South Sudan in Uganda, urged the new leadership to consult their seniors. He said it would help them to do their duties successfully. Akol said that the leadership positions held at campus level should help to prepare future leaders.
“We should all have a sense of belonging. Let’s think of where we came from, why we are here and remind ourselves of the purpose we have as individuals. We should use this opportunity to get our home better,” Akol said.
He (Akol) also called upon the UCU Sudanese’s community to go and get Identity Cards from the South Sudan Embassy in Uganda..
The function attended by about 165 UCU students was graced by leaders from different institutions of Makerere, Kyambogo, Nkumba, Ndejje and Kampala International University.UCU has over 324 South Sudanese Students pursuing different programs of study.
South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in east/central Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia, Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya. Its population was estimated as 12,778,250 in 2019. Juba is the capital and largest city