The 89th cohort of the students’ guild council elect has this Monday April 24, 2023 been officially sworn in to office to assume their council duties.
While at the ceremony, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi MP Nakawa who also doubles as the National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson urged the student leaders to highly embrace dialogue as a means of positively connecting with the University administration. This, according to Ssenyonyi, will go a long way in creating a positive co-existence between students and the institutions’ leadership.
“As the new student leadership in Makerere, you ought to be the change agents who will end most of the impunities in this mighty institution including rampart strikes, among others. You are the eyes of not only the students of Makerere but the whole of Uganda is watching you.”
Ssenyonyi also cited that the guild President Elect with his council should not fear the administration but rather embrace dialogue so as to work hand in hand to front student’s requests in a positive manner and not using violence.
“You don’t have to fear the administration but rather work together and most importantly, enhance the dialogue approach of solving issues and crises at Makerere University. Trust me; Dialogue is the best weapon to solve any arising issue of any kind and results in a peaceful co-existence between students and the administration.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor Makerere in his speech read by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration also stressed the need for dialogue between students and respect between the student leaders and the administration which he said will strengthen their relationship and creates a strong friendly bond.
“As you are aware, we have worked with different guild councils over the years and I must say there’s not been that much bond between us but we are imploring you to do it differently from the rest of predecessors.
You know, we should be moving at the same pace but most of these complaints come from people who are negative about development. For example I have heard most of the students here complain about the Makerere constitution but the truth is it was made by the students through leaders like you.
One thing I need to make clear to you is that whenever you do something, just know that not everyone will welcome it positively, there will always be those who will complain and rubbish it. And just like our constitution, it might not be perfect for everybody but let’s work it out and in case of any challenge, we shall work it out.” he said.
He added thus, “as student leaders, you shouldn’t expect more than we the admin can fulfil and in case we can’t do exactly to your expectations, I ask you to be patient and not rush into conclusions.”
Some of the on-going projects which according to the admin were suggested and highlighted by the students include the reconstruction of the main hall and construction of the perimeter wall among others.
The newly elected Guild President elect Robert Maseruka called upon his guild council to avoid taking sides but work for the benefit of all students among other critical things.
“I know most of you are considering me as your individual leader President but I must assure you, I am not going to work that way, and this goes to all the 89th cabinet, we are strictly going to represent all the students’ interests and not individual ones as we promised in our campaigns.
And another thing, let’s do our best so as to simplify the 90th cabinet work and to our fellow students, please do not expect much from us in other words, don’t ask for what the 89th will do for you but rather, what shall we do together with the 89th.”
