By Ritah Namisango
His Excellency Vincent Lubega Nsamba is the 90^th Guild President of Makerere University. This follows a swearing-in-ceremony held on Monday 18^th March, 2024 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

According to the Chairperson of Makerere University Students Electoral Commission, Mr. Ramadhan Kirunda, the 90^th Guild race attracted 16 contestants. On 7 ^th March 2024, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, emerged the best with 2,540 votes out of the 11,500 cast.

During the swearing-in ceremony, the newly elected members of the Guild Representative Council (GRC) also took oath, including the first batch of six (6) cabinet members. They comprised: Joy Eve Sserunjogi (Vice Guild President), Adroni Rodney Adroni (Prime Minister), Shri Nakaziba (Deputy Prime Minister), Mutumba Robert (Minister for Culture, Mobilization and Social Affairs), Abuk Mary Garang (Minister for International Students’ Affairs), Godfrey Abura (Minister for Security), and Emojung Herman Kasaija (Minister for Student Affairs). The other categories of students’ leaders sworn-in included: leaders representing students with disabilities, Hall Chairpersons, the Games Union, to mention, but a few.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the Guild President and his entire leadership upon winning the trust of the students’ community. Represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), the Vice Chancellor urged the 90^th Students’ Guild to always work closely with the University Management to resolve issues.
“When you are facing challenges as students, discuss those issues with the University Management so that together, we can find solutions. The University Management values dialogue. I assure you of the University Management’s support,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor urged the student leaders to always remember their primary goal, which is academic excellence. He re-echoed the guidelines that stipulate that no student with a retake should contest for leadership. He therefore advised the freshly sworn-in student leaders to always balance academics and leadership.

In the same vein, Prof. Alinaitwe commended the Students and the Electoral Commission on the smooth transition of leadership from the 89^th to the 90^th Students’ Guild. He congratulated the 89 ^th Guild Government led by H.E. Robert Maseruka and H.E. Mariat Namiiro upon a successful tenure, characterised by dialogue and negotiations with the University Management.

Noting that the Guild President and Vice Guild President become Members of Council, the policy making organ of Makerere University, Prof. Alinaitwe advised the 90^th Students’ Guild to uphold decisions of the University Council and ensure that the students’ body understands and appreciates the said decisions.

“If you take part in a meeting where a decision is made, remain consistent and true. Do not turn around when you meet fellow students, and deny that you were not part of the process leading to that decision. The University Council is the supreme governing body of the university. So, when decisions are made by the University Council, always guide your fellow students properly by ensuring that they understand and appreciate the decisions that are passed,” he guided.

In his maiden speech, H.E. Lubega Nsamba exalted God for enabling him to secure the guild presidency and equally thanked everyone who supported him throughout the campaign.
“I can profoundly say that Makerere University Guild Presidents are chosen by God. There have been so many challenges, but it has been God. I thank all of you that have supported me morally, financially, and spiritually throughout this uncertain journey,” he said.

Lubega Nsamba urged his fellow leaders to protect the rights and interests of the students that have entrusted them with the mandate to serve. Acknowledging the good work done by the outgoing 89^th Guild Government, Lubega Nsamba pledged to carry on from where they stopped. He pledged to follow up the ongoing renovation of university infrastructure such as Halls of Residence, prioritizing the needs for students with disabilities, as well as creating employment opportunities for students to gain some income and be in position to clear tuition and functional fees on time. He underscored the need to use dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve issues pertaining to students and the University in general.

The Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli acknowledged the outgoing Guild President Robert Maseruka for advocating for the revival of social events especially the freshers’ ball and bazaar. She advised the 90^th Students’ Guild to always listen to the voices of fellow students, uphold the values of inclusivity and strive for the betterment of the university.

Furthermore, Mrs. Kabumbuli appreciated Ms. Ruth Eteu Eyoku from the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Directorate of ICT Support Services (DICTS) and Mak Public Relations Office for working with the Dean of Students Department and the Students’ Electoral Commission during the election process.

In his remarks, the 90^th Guild President, H.E Robert Maseruka rallied the incoming leadership to serve the students body with all their might. He noted that Makerere University is a breeding ground for national leaders, and the leadership journey that they have embarked on prepares them for so many opportunities.

The Guild Information Minister of the 90^th Students’ Guild Government, Hon. Kevin Mugabi who is credited for ensuring a vibrant online presence of the students’ guild on X (@MakGuild) informed the 90^th Students’ Guild that there was a lot of work to be done with respect to their service to students.

“Serve the students’ body so that what you leave behind is your legacy.”

Some of the dignitaries who graced the swearing-in-ceremony included: Hon. Frank Kabuye-Member of Parliament for Kassanda South, Dr. Ivan Ssempijja-Guild President Emeritus, Hon. Julius Kateregga- Guild President Emeritus and Member of Makerere University Council, Makerere University Imaam, Dr. Sowed Juma Mayanja who led the opening prayer and Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, and Chaplain-St. Francis Chapel who led the closing prayer.

The occasion was also witnessed by the mother of the Guild President and his family members, Mr. Peter Rivan Muhereza (Principal Warden), Mr. Brian Nsubuga Miiro (Principal Sports Tutor), Ms. Norah Nalubowa (Warden-Mary Stuart Hall), Ms. Ritah Namisango (Principal PRO), Ms. Donah Keirungi (Warden-Complex Hall), Mr. Peter Mwanja (Warden-Warden, University Hall), Mr. Bruce Byamukama (Warden-Livingstone Hall), Mr. Rodney Rugyema (Warden-Nkrumah Hall), students, the media as well as Ms. Ruth Kitamirike, a former student leader who moderated the event.