By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus - Despite coming from a humble background, KIU's most supreme student is a total quality person. Appointing his fierce opponent in the run for presidency as his Prime Minister is one factor that justifies the fact that he could be a different breed not only in KIU but the whole concept of political leadership in Uganda.

Jacob Musimenta was born on 7th November 1997 in Kiryadongo district. He went to Masindi Port Primary School between 2003 and 2010, Buwandula Mixed and Maranatha SDA Secondary Schools between 2011 and 2014 before completing high school at Kitara Model Secondary School from where he was awarded the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) in 2016. He joined KIU to pursue a Bachelor of Laws in 2017.

Before becoming Guild President, Jacob had never served in any major elective position though he was an influential figure in the last two successful Guild Presidential campaign teams. Despite being a student of Law, he played a tremendous role in Arinda Jasper's campaigns in the College of Education that saw him win majority favor in year one students then. His effort also contributed to Ariho Moses’ victory in 2019.

"That success made me believe more in myself and there was no any way to prove my worth and competence other than running for Guild President, a position where with my efforts my predecessors were able to serve," Jacob said.

He launched his interest for Guild Presidency in August 2019 only to be intercepted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic four months after. This saw elections shifted from the customary schedule of march and April to December 2020. This never let him down.

Running on the ticket of the NRM chapter, Jacob was elected Guild president in December 2020 beating his coursemate and friend, Karuhanga Ronald whom he later appointed Prime Minister.

"My intention for running was to solve student's issues by acting as their main voice yet my opponent, Ronald had strong views in his manifesto too. So, bringing him on board would ease my course of delivering the best," Jacob said of his decision.

Although many criticized him for choosing to appoint his opponent to a position as big as Prime Minister, he hopes they will see the fruits after some time and that he is determined to changing the face of politics at KIU and other institutions of higher learning in Uganda.

"I am looking forward to balancing the competition for leadership position to end dominance by one region. It is on record that students from the western part of Uganda have always scrambled for leadership positions in almost all higher learning institutions countrywide. My regime will empower all students especially at KIU to participate equally and favorably in order to show national character."

Given the unfavorable circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacob is confident enough that his regime will deliver beyond expectations. He urges students to remain focused and patient especially during the hard unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic uncertainties.