By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus - President Abdihafid Mustaf Elmi received the instruments of power for the KIU Somali Students Association (KIUSOMSA) on Saturday, March 19.

This was during a  fun-filled handover ceremony that took place at Lee Cafe, Kansanga in the presence of several witnesses from both within and outside the association.

He replaced President AbubakarAli Nur who has been in office since early 2020 but with the COVID-19 lockdown, election of a successor in 2021 was impossible.

Ali Nur advised Mustaf (in red tie) to maintain the unity in the association, elect a strong board and avoid any acts of partisanship and nepotism in order to excel in his term of office.

‘’I want you to know that the job you are taking over now is not an easy one. It will require you to have unity in KIUSOMSAand most importantly, you need to form a strong Cabinet as well as utilizing the KIUSOMSA constitution,’’ Nur told President Mustaf during his speech on Saturday.

‘’I also implore you to lead the association with good governance, patience, honesty and transparence. It is also your responsibility to keep the properties of the association that have been handed over to you today,’’ he added.

Nur also implored members of KIUSOMSA and all Somalis at KIU to support their new President to keep the association and the Somali community at KIU going forward.

In his acceptance speech, newly installed President Adihafid Mustaf Elmi assured his electorate that he would do anything possible to make sure that everyone is fully served irrespective of time constraints.

‘’I am deeply humbled by your support and I want to assure you that I am going to work day and night to make sure that your concerns are heard and addressed. I want you to know that I am dedicated to serve you,’’ he said.

He called upon all members of KIUSOMSA to work with him as members of one community for it is the only way they can accomplish great things. He promised that he will be responsive and accessible at all times.

‘’I want to be as accessible and responsive to you as possible and I will be hosting our first Campus Hall meeting to hear about the priorities you want me to begin working on,’’ he added.

President Mustaf is now expected to start implementing his manifesto, part of which is growing the membership of theassociation, something his predecessor has excellently done though there remains room for more. 

He is also expected to boost the visibility of Somali students in key co-curricular activities in the university, top among them is having his members compete for various strong positions in the students union.