The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Umar Kakumba, has this afternoon presented trophies to the Guild Electoral Commission (EC) 2021 and the 86^th Guild Speaker, in recognition of their contribution and efforts that delivered a Petition-Free Election.

In her remarks, the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli thanked the DVCAA for accepting to present trophies to the outgoing Guild Electoral Commission 2021, for their outstanding performance, the first of its kind in a long time at Makerere. She noted that the team’s efforts were exemplary to the University community, most especially the students. She emphasized how proud she was of the team’s performance and noted that the brief ceremony was in fulfillment of the DVCAA’s recommendation that outstanding performance should be acknowledged and appreciated. Members of the team that received trophies included;

1. Mr. William Kananga, Chairperson
2. Ms. Angel Kampi, 86^th Guild Speaker
3. Ms. Tracy Kirabo, Vice Chairperson
4. Mr. Martin Wambona, Commissioner for Finance
5. Mr. Saad Ddumba, Public Relations Officer

The DVCAA in response thanked the Dean of Students for her passion and vigour towards nurturing and instilling a great sense of responsibility amongst the young leaders. He noted that managing student affairs is never easy, especially since the students emerge from different backgrounds. He observed that the University is a point of congregation for students from all walks of life originating from close to a thousand secondary schools across the entire country. This congregation, he noted, is characterised by varying behaviour, cultural orientation and aspirations.

Prof. Kakumba therefore applauded the outgoing Guild Electoral Commission 2021 and the 86^th Guild Speaker for exemplifying good leadership. He paid tribute to the tem for their focus and pointed out that leadership is about thoughtful decisions and that any leader should never suffer from indecision. He stated that every decision whether good or bad is a learning experience.

Echoing the Dean of Students, the DVCAA further applauded the team for being exemplary. He informed them that the University Council had infact commended the Students’ Affairs Committee headed by Dr. Hellen N. Nkabala and the student leadership for effectively and successfully managing the student guild electoral process. Prof. Kakumba concluded that together, the Dean of Students, Students’ Affairs Committee and the Guild Electoral Commission 2021 had indeed left an indelible mark. He therefore commended the Dean of Students organising the award ceremony despite several competing interests.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairperson, Mr. William Kananga thanked the DVCAA and the Dean of Students for appreciating their efforts. He noted that the team neither had any clashes nor intrigue during the guild electoral process. He said that his team followed the law and guidelines, received a lot of goodwill to deliver a successful election.

He was also happy to inform the DVCAA and the Dean of Students that the entire team of the Guild Electoral Commission 2021 and the 86^th Guild Speaker would be graduating this May, which was a rarity with student leaders.

The DVCAA congratulated the team upon achieving such matching their exemplary leadership with good academic performance. 

Written by: Doreen Tazwaire, Personal Assistant, Office of the DVCAA