Martin Ssentiba Ssempijja has been sworn in as the 33rd Guild President of Nkumba University, pledging a leadership anchored on accountability, inclusivity, and student welfare in a ceremony marked by optimism and calls for unity.
The swearing-in, presided over by the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega, saw Ssentiba take an oath administered by the Guild Chief Justice, committing to “uphold and protect the Students’ Guild Constitution without fear or favour.”
In his acceptance speech, Ssentiba promised to steer the student body through dialogue rather than confrontation. “I am here today not because my campaign was the loudest, but because of four pillars, fair tuition policy, inclusive academic policy, accountability, and students’ welfare,” he said amid chants and ululations.
Adding that, “We shall work together through negotiations and peaceful engagements to achieve more for this university. I will not encourage strikes or any actions that may jeopardize the serenity of Nkumba.”
The new Guild President also paid tribute to the outgoing administration led by Mr Mawanda Derrick, describing it as “a peaceful government from which we shall not only borrow a leaf, but take the whole tree.”
Ssentiba emphasized his commitment to discipline within his administration, warning that he would not hesitate to act against any appointee who undermines the Guild constitution. “Leadership is service. If any member of my team causes mayhem, I will do the needful.”
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Lubega congratulated the new leadership and commended the Electoral Commission for conducting what he described as a peaceful election. “You are now the student representative in engagements with management, partners, and stakeholders. This is a responsibility that requires maturity and constant engagement,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor urged the new Guild government to set clear goals and pursue innovative solutions to student challenges. “If you don’t have a goal, you can’t score. At the end of your term, what will you point to as your achievement?” he asked.
He also challenged student leaders to think creatively about resource mobilization and institutional development, while safeguarding the university’s reputation. “Let us protect our brand. You are ambassadors of Nkumba University even beyond your time here,” he added.
Prof. Lubega further reminded the Guild leadership to report cases of unfair treatment of students and take advantage of newly instituted policies, including measures to curb sexual harassment.
University Secretary, Francis Ssengendo emphasized the need for accountable leadership, urging the new Guild to act as a bridge between students and management. “You have been entrusted with the confidence of the student body. They expect inclusive, accountable leadership that articulates their concerns constructively,” he said.
He also called on the Guild to promote unity across diverse student backgrounds and discourage disruptive activities that could undermine academic progress. “Leadership is not about authority alone; it is about service, responsibility, and commitment to the greater good,” Ssengendo noted.
The Dean of Students, Christopher Kimuli, described the election as one of the most peaceful in recent years, crediting the Electoral Commission for its professionalism. “This year’s election has been the most peaceful since I became Dean. It reflects the maturity of our student leadership structures,” he said.
Kimuli revealed that the next phase of Guild formation will include the election of the Guild Speaker and Deputy Speaker, followed by the vetting and approval of ministers by Parliament. “The new cabinet will be sworn in next week and will serve a one-year term ending April 2027,” he added.
Over the years, Guild administrations have played a pivotal role in advocating for student welfare, negotiating policy changes, and maintaining stability within the institution.
Ssentiba’s swearing-in continues this tradition, with observers noting that his emphasis on dialogue and institutional cooperation reflects a broader shift towards non-confrontational student leadership in Ugandan universities.
As the new administration takes office, expectations remain high that it will build on past gains while addressing emerging student concerns in an increasingly dynamic academic environment.
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