General
President David Bala promises to consult all
The Makerere University Guild President, David Bwiruka Bala and his cabinet were sworn in on Monday 30th March 2015 in a fully parked Main Hall. In his acceptance speech, H.E Bala pledged to leave no stone unturned in contributing to the challenges affecting Makerere University and to consult all stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.
“My leadership shall be based on consultation. I will come to you as the student community to consult with you. I also pledge to work with the University Management very when they pledge to work with us. As the Bala Government we must sit down and draw a road map towards our academic excellence. We must be passionate about the welfare of our lecturers because a teacher on an empty stomach can hardly do anything. So we must make sure that we strive for their rights. We will then demand for service delivery,” he told the excited crowd.
“For about three years, I have looked forward to this day and I have worked towards it. It has been a long journey but I do not forget the trust that I put in the lord. It is very important for us to stand as a team and be proud of Makerere University . As the 81st Guild President, I am ready to serve Makerere. I believe the University has many challenges but we cannot overcome them as individuals but as a team,” he added.
Bala’s remarks were punctuated with ululations from the ecstatic student community. He further promised to work towards eliminating unethical practices in all its forms, to ensure academic excellence of students, pay attention to security concerns within the university and advocate for renovation of facilities; in liaison with the relevant offices.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, cautioned H.E Bala to look back at the promises made during campaigns and isolate real issues from none issues. “In tackling the real issues which affect the students and the community of Makerere University , you ought to endeavour to pursue the approach of dialogue. It is common knowledge that no single person, in a community like Makerere, can afford to achieve everything they want just on their own. Therefore, much of what you will accomplish will, to a very large extent, depend on your ability and willingness to cooperate and work with the relevant organs of the University,” he emphasized.
“Your leadership should be based on the knowledge that there are rules and regulations which guide the operations of Public Universities such as Makerere. Your government should travel along a clear path of discipline, hard work and accountable leadership, he added.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Roy Ssemboga had earlier reported that the Guild race had 10 aspirants. Bala David Bwiruka won the highly contested election with 5,562 votes followed by Mwine Musa with 2,696 votes. The other contestants are Namulindawa Stella (2,379 votes), Opoya Michael (1,297 votes), Mukula George William (635votes), Ssentongo Ivan (109 votes), Lubega Henry (69 votes), Kayondo Latima (35 votes), Tusiime Festus Bamyoya (33 votes) and Baguma Andrew (23votes). A total of 323 votes were invalid.
The Dean of Students, Cyriaco Kabagambe, thanked the Electoral Commission for working tirelessly to deliver a clean electoral process. He encouraged the new student leadership to prioritize hard work and academic excellence. Ssemboga presented a report on the electoral process, proposing amendments to the Guild constitution.
At the same event, the Guild Representatives to Council were also sworn in.
By Marion Aina
Related Story
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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