By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus- KIU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, has urged student leaders to prioritize service above self to become effective leaders.

Speaking at the induction seminar for the 2024/2025 Guild Union Leaders, held on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, in the University Senate Boardroom, Prof. Ngoma emphasized that true leadership is rooted in serving others.

The seminar, organized by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, was designed to equip the newly inducted leaders with the skills they need to excel during their one-year term.

Prof. Ngoma highlighted the importance of fostering harmony, resolving conflicts, and maintaining close connections with the student body.

“As leaders, you must create harmony and resolve conflicts if they arise. Don't distance yourselves from the students, you are their bridge to the administration,” he stated.

He also encouraged the leaders to focus on building a good reputation, remaining humble, and developing strong communication skills, particularly in how they engage with others.

Dr. Jacob E. Ashibi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs (DVCAA), congratulated the student leaders for being selected from among the many students on campus.

He urged them to make a positive impact at KIU and beyond, reminding them that leadership comes with significant responsibilities and challenges.

“Leadership requires you to be a problem solver at every turn. You must strive to create a positive impact,” Dr. Ashibi added.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Ms. Shakiro Iluku Joyce who also serves as the Patroness of the Guild Union, encouraged the newly inducted Guild Union officials to respect one another to fulfill the promises they made when elected.

“Mind the language you use when talking to peers, subjects, and us, your seniors. Check your dressing code before going out in public, but most importantly, let’s embrace respect,” she advised.

The induction ceremony featured Maj. Samson Mucunguzi, Head of Human Rights in the UPDF under the Directorate of Ideological Development in the Joint Services Political Commissariat, as the Guest of Honor.

Maj. Mucunguzi, who is also a lecturer at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, emphasized the importance of leaders having the right tools to diagnose and solve societal problems.

“Leaders are social doctors who must have the correct tools to diagnose society’s problems and prescribe solutions. They must thus have a correct understanding of the world, in other words, a correct worldview,” he stated.

The ceremony was also attended by among others, Dr. Mundu Mustafa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ADVC) in charge of Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension, Ms. Christine Ainebyoona, the Campus Administrator, Mr. David Ojok Livingstone and KIU Alumnus and former Speaker of the KIU Law Society, Nicholus Agaba.