_{By Ritah Namisango}

Commissioning the Makerere University 89^th Guild Government under the leadership of H.E. Robert Maseruka, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged the newly elected student leaders to uphold dialogue and work with the University Management to deliver services to students.

Prof. Nawangwe, who was represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), made the remark during the swearing-in-ceremony of the 89^th Guild leadership held on Monday 24^th April 2023 at the Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

Upon taking the oath, H.E. Robert Maseruka promised to serve in the best interest of Makerere University students and work closely with University Management to ensure that students’ affairs are attended to diligently. Robert Maseruka was sworn-in together with some cabinet members namely Mariat Namiiro (Vice Guild President), Dreamer Elizabeth (Deputy Prime Minister), Kiranda Sharifah (Finance minister), Nyangoma Emmaheart (Minister of Gender), Adron Rodney (Minister of Estates and Production) and Nambazira Patience (Academic Affairs Minister).

The Vice Chancellor congratulated H.E. Robert Maseruka upon being elected the 89^th Guild President. Maseruka is a third year student pursuing the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). Prof. Nawangwe expressed the readiness of the University Management to work with the Guild President and the 89^th Students’ Guild to transform livelihoods and society in general. He commended the Chairperson of the Students’ Electoral Commission, Mr. Levi Tshilumba and his team for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. He acknowledged the out-going Guild President, H.E. Lawrence Alionzi for not only steering the 88^th Students’ Guild Government, but also handing over power peacefully.

Emphasizing that the university cannot exist without students, the Vice Chancellor highlighted that the University Management would continue to prioritise issues that holistically impact students such as teaching and learning, research and innovations, renovation of Halls of residence, infrastructure development as well as students’ welfare.

He stated that Makerere is a publicly funded University and commended the Government of Uganda for the ongoing construction of the perimeter wall fence to enhance security at the Main Campus, the reconstruction of the Main Building that is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and for committing funds to kick start the renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls of Residence.

Commenting on the delay in the release of Living-Out Allowances for government sponsored students, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) said: “The University is adjusting to the normal calendar following disruptions brought about by Covid-19. This financial year, we are going to have three semesters. We have discussed this matter with the Government and we have been assured that the students’ allowances for the third semester are going to be paid.”

On the issue of governance, Prof. Alinaitwe pointed out that the Guild President and Vice Guild President are members of Makerere University Council, the supreme governing body of the University. With this representation, they will be in position to present the interests of the students. Additionally, the Students’ Guild is represented on several university organs and committees including the University Senate and the Students’ Affairs Committee, among others.

The Vice Chancellor advised the Guild President and the entire students’ body to avoid confrontations and violence. He appealed to the Students’ leadership to always uphold dialogue in the management of issues with different stakeholders. “Bring the issues on the table, we discuss them and reach a common position,” he said.

He encouraged the new Guild President, H.E. Robert Maseruka to emulate the out-going Guild President, H.E. Lawrence Alionzi who led the student body in a peaceful manner. “The 88^th Students’ Guild upheld peace and worked with the University Management and other organs of the university to execute students’ affairs. Thank you, the 88^th Students’ Guild for the commendable job. Thank you for Mr. Lawrence Alionzi for your contribution,” he remarked.

The Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli applauded the outgoing Guild under the leadership of H.E. Lawrence Alionzi for rejuvenating intellectual dialogue among students. She implored the new Guild to embrace dialogue and jointly work with the University administration to leverage Makerere University’s leading position in the provision of higher education services. The Dean of Students pledged to work with the 89^th Guild to ensure that students’ concerns are addressed on time.

In his remarks, the outgoing Guild President, Lawrence Alionzi urged the newly elected Guild President, Robert Maseruka to always front the interests of students before those of the political groups and individuals close to him.

“Focus on students. Be careful not to serve the interests of those around you or the political class. At the end of the day what truly matters is that common student who probably has never seen you,” he advised.

One of the dignitaries who came to witness the swearing-in-ceremony, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, Member of Parliament of Nakawa West congratulated H.E. Robert Maseruka upon his victory and tasked him to work for the students. “The students are the ones who have entrusted you with the mandate. So, always prioritise the students.”

Hon. Ssenyonyi encouraged the University administration to always engage the alumni to contribute to some of the development programmes at the University.

The colourful ceremony was graced by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Chaplain of St. Francis Chapel-Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, Mother of the Guild President-Ms. Nanfuka Joseline, Ms. Ruth Eteu Eyoku-Member of staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, Principal Warden-Mr. Peter Rivan Muhereza, Guild Administrator-Ms. Norah Nalubowa, Wardens and staff from the Dean of Students’ Department, staff from Public Relations Office,  the media and other invited guests. Mr. Muhammad Kiggundu, an alumnus of Makerere University, who graduated during the 73^rd Graduation ceremony moderated the Swearing-in-Ceremony.