OWOMUGISHA T
Great Lakes Regional University on Saturday witnessed the official handover and swearing-in ceremony of the new Guild Union leadership at a vibrant event held at the university campus grounds in Bushura Cell, Kanungu Town Council, Kanungu District.
Innocent Nuwagaba, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, was sworn in as the Guild President for the 2025/2026 academic year. In his inaugural speech, Nuwagaba congratulated his cabinet members and urged them to uphold unity and dedication for the development of the university.
“Our election is not just an endorsement of leadership potential, but a solemn responsibility to serve, listen, and represent the diverse student body,” he remarked. He pledged to be a strong advocate for student voices and concerns throughout his term.
Nuwagaba appealed to the university administration, particularly the Chief Guest Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi—Vice Chancellor and Minister of ICT and National Guidance—to support the student leadership. He requested financial assistance for establishing fully-fledged guild chambers, renovating blocks, procuring furniture and computers, organizing a guild trip to Parliament, State House, and other institutions, and acquiring a university van to aid marketing and transport.
Operating under the theme “Leadership with Integrity: Building a Foundation for Good Governance and Accountability,” the new guild president encouraged his team to uphold values of integrity, accountability, and service.
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, also the Member of Parliament for Kinkizi East, applauded the outgoing guild government for their diligent service. He emphasized the critical role of student leaders in promoting academic excellence, fostering innovation, and ensuring lecturer availability. Dr. Baryomunsi also pledged more support towards university development, including the installation of a computer lab and a well-stocked library.
Assistant Vice Chancellor Dr. Africano Kangire also addressed the gathering, thanking Dr. Baryomunsi for his continued support and encouraging both incoming and outgoing guild leaders to build strong ties between the university and the community. He highlighted ongoing challenges such as lack of a library and computer lab, insufficient funds to pay lecturers, and inadequate transport, calling for more government intervention.
Outgoing guild president Kahigi Johnson expressed gratitude to students for their trust during his leadership in 2024. He noted the year was marked by peaceful student-administration relations and urged the new leadership to maintain the same spirit of cooperation.
The ceremony marked a significant moment of transition and hope for a progressive future at Great Lakes Regional University.
