Kyambogo University inaugurated its 21st Guild leadership on Monday, 22 September 2025, with a strong call for responsible, collaborative, and student-centred governance. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the CTF 105 Auditorium, brought together university officials and student leaders in a moment characterised by reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment to student welfare.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Justus Kwetegyeka, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, urged the newly elected leaders to take a strategic approach to service delivery. “Be mindful of what you say and where you say it,” he cautioned, emphasising that leadership must be based on collaboration and informed dialogue. “Neither management nor students know everything. Where you’re unsure, ask—no one in management enjoys suspending a student.”
Prof. Kwetegyeka reaffirmed students’ right to political affiliation, emphasising the importance of maturity and responsibility in political engagement. “If Kyambogo wasn’t encouraging party politics, it would interfere with student elections—which it never does,” he observed. He urged the Guild President to be strategic in expressing student concerns and to seek verified information rather than relying on rumours.
Addressing financial concerns, he explained that the surcharge policy is a directive from the University Council and cannot be arbitrarily removed. However, he acknowledged that students can initiate a formal review process. He also praised the Electoral Commission Chair for conducting a credible election and expressed eagerness for ongoing engagement with student leaders.
On his part, the Guild President, Andama Emmanuel, framed the occasion not as a celebration but as a solemn call to service. “This guild leadership is the voice of students,” he declared. “We want to cooperate with management, but we represent student interests.” He criticised the recent dismissal of a sitting Guild President, calling it a form of intimidation and urging the university to foster a more inclusive and responsive environment.
Andama pledged to prioritise service delivery and reject personal agendas within the guild. “Whoever will not align with that call should resign,” he said. He appealed to management to consider students from humble backgrounds when setting tuition policies and to avoid punitive measures—such as exam bans over minor fees—that disproportionately affect struggling students. “We want every decision to be pro-student and work toward a win-win situation,” he added.
The Dean of Students, Bridget Mugume, echoed calls for accountability and collaboration. She urged the new leaders to serve the students who elected them and to work closely with her office. “Use this chance to give hope to those who look up to you. Don’t disappoint them,” she said. Mugume also thanked the Guild President for his willingness to work with former ministers and reminded all that the President holds the authority to appoint, reshuffle, or dismiss ministers. Her office, she affirmed, remains open to all students. The ceremony concluded with a shared commitment to student-centred leadership, transparency, and constructive engagement between the guild and university administration.
Tags: 21st Guild, Andama Emmanuel, Associate Professor Justus Kwetegyeka, Bridget Mugume, Guild leadership, higher education Uganda, Kyambogo University, student affairs, student governance, student leadership, student politics, student welfare, swearing-in ceremony, Uganda Universities, university management