NELSON K
The Rukungiri branch of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) has elected a new cabinet to steer its activities for the 2025–2026 academic year, with students being urged to embrace self-confidence, exemplary behavior, and innovation as they prepare to take on future leadership roles.
The elections, presided over by UNSA Kigezi Regional Coordinator Mr. Johnbosco Namara and the Rukungiri District UNSA Coordinator Mr. Raymond Rukundo, were held at Immaculate Heart Girls School, Nyakibale. During the event, students were reminded to cultivate leadership skills, unity, and creativity as key pillars of both academic and national development.
In the highly contested polls, the following students were elected:
- Chairperson: Gideon Akanyihayo (Kyamakanda SS) – 69 votes
- Vice Chairperson: Atuhaire Paskaline (St. Francis Buhunga) – 68 votes
- Speaker: Mary Arekaho (Immaculate Heart Girls) – 85 votes
- Deputy Speaker: Twijukye Blessious (Kashenyi SS) – 54 votes
- General Secretary: Joshua Ayebazibwe (St. Gerald’s SS) – 67 votes
- Assistant General Secretary: Atuhaire Tricia (Kinyansano Girls HS) – 61 votes
- Secretary for Disabilities: Niwagaba Trust (Nyakishenyi SS)
- Secretary for Inter-School Affairs: Benefit Taremwa (St. Peter’s Vocational Kihumuro) – 53 votes
- Secretary for Women Affairs: Josephine Nayebare (St. Peter’s SS Nyarushanje) – 73 votes
- Secretary for Publicity and Information: Agaba Timothy (St. Mark Nyakibale SS) – 78 votes
Speaking as a chief guest, senior journalist Patson Baraire Mushaija encouraged the students to take their roles seriously, noting that leadership is not just for school but a foundation for future responsibilities. He urged the new leaders to be role models, promote creativity, and nurture innovation among their peers.
District Coordinator Mr. Raymond Rukundo explained that the gathering went beyond elections, serving also as a workshop to sensitize students about leadership, unity, and ethical conduct. “Living exemplary lives at school adds great value to future generational leadership,” he emphasized.
Regional Coordinator Mr. Johnbosco Namara, who also serves as the Rubanda District UNSA head, congratulated the winners and commended the fairness of the process, pointing out that each school had the opportunity to contest. He called on the elected leaders to extend their leadership influence to their schools to strengthen educational ethics and prepare for national leadership.
With this new team in place, the Rukungiri UNSA branch is expected to continue championing student leadership, unity, and innovation as it nurtures tomorrow’s leaders.
