Ritah Niwarimpa
Nkumba University students gathered in the Mpanga library on Monday, April 14, for a leadership symposium with Hon. Nsereko Muhammad, the Kampala Central Member of Parliament, as keynote speaker.
Organized under the theme, “Overcoming Inferiority Complex by embracing leadership,” the symposium sought to address the stereotypical fear engulfing and denying them the audacity to stand for themselves.
Hon. Nsereko dissected the theme, likening an inferiority complex to a fertile ground scared of bearing fruits with all that it takes to grow and bear healthy fruits. Makumahi Deogracious from the School of Law defined inferiority complex as “a timid and shy feeling compared to someone you feel is superior.”
According to Nsereko, an inferiority complex stems from inadequacy. “Inferiority comes from inadequacy and insecurity of the soul,” he said, advising students to be comfortable with who they are and what they have. “People will always want to make you feel inferior so that you can lie low and lower than them. Learn to ask people how they made it, make people feel your presence by being majestic and not looking down at yourself.”
Nsereko also emphasized the importance of unity, citing Uganda’s diverse tribes as an example. He called students from different tribes to the front and tasked them to reecho “the need for a united Uganda” in their native languages. “
“We need to appreciate ourselves and our achievements,” he said, comparing Ugandans to Western societies like the USA, where people readily acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments.
The MP also shared a scenario where a job applicant mentioned having a degree from Nkumba University in a negative light, implying that the university was inferior to others like Makerere. Nsereko advised students to exemplify themselves as leaders and avoid making negative assumptions about their lives.
The symposium was well-received by students, with Orikiriza Annitah from the School of Information and Technology sharing, “I feel encouraged to go beyond my limits. Hon. Nsereko’s words resonate with my creed as an individual seeking personal growth, I am rejuvenated to consider vying for a member of Parliament to represent my school.”
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