NICHOLAS A
Nelson Niwamanya, a student at Makobore High School, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) for the Rukungiri Chapter, succeeding Arinamukama Elipidius, a student at St. Charles Lwanga Seminary Nyakibale, who had held the position since October 9, 2023.
Fifteen schools from across Rukungiri District participated in the selection of new student leaders. Nelson will serve alongside Mahoro Purity from St. Mark SS Nyakibale as Vice Chairperson, Ainebyoona Promise from Rukungiri Grammar as General Secretary, and Aharimpisya Tom from Kayurika SS, who will handle Information and Publicity, among others.
Raymond Rukundo, the UNSA coordinator for Rukungiri District, explained that the elections involved council bodies from various schools, from which the leadership was selected. He noted that while UNSA includes students from secondary schools to tertiary institutions and universities, in Rukungiri, they currently focus only on secondary-level students, though plans are underway to expand to other levels.
Before the elections, representatives from all participating schools received training in areas such as financial management, discipline, and leadership.
Outgoing UNSA Chairperson Arinamukama Elipidius reflected on his leadership, emphasizing discipline as a key achievement. He pointed out that during his tenure, interschool fights, particularly during sports events like soccer and athletics, were eliminated in Rukungiri in 2024.
He also highlighted the district’s success in securing trophies in debating and scouting, encouraging the new leadership to continue these achievements.
Incoming Chairperson Nelson Niwamanya pledged to foster strong relationships between students and school authorities, with the goal of promoting discipline and eradicating negative behaviors like strikes. He promised to work towards enhancing cooperation among schools and putting Rukungiri District on the map in terms of academic performance.
