Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) Rukungiri Chapter Elects New Leadership.

Derrick Ampereza

In a recent development, the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) Rukungiri chapter held elections for their district secretariat, resulting in a change in leadership. Byamukama Elipidias from St. Charles Lwanga Seminary Nyakibale was elected as the new chairperson of UNSA, replacing Ian Muhumuza from Makobore High School.

Byamukama urged his fellow leaders to cooperate to ensure effective and streamlined leadership during their term in office.

The position of speaker was taken by Arinda Nduhukire, who replaced Leticia Taremwa, both from Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakyibale. Annet Arinda from Kyabugashe High School was elected as the vice-chairperson, Serena Kabahinda from Rukungiri Central SS became the General Secretary, and Ampiire Justine was assigned the role of information and publicity coordinator, among other elected leaders in the UNSA Rukungiri chapter.

Daiz Drake Owoyesingire, the Kabale University guild president and national affairs secretary of UNSA, emphasized the importance of UNSA in nurturing student leaders. He noted that many students who have been part of UNSA have gone on to become successful leaders in various fields.

He encouraged all schools to participate in UNSA, as it provides an opportunity for student leaders to interact and develop their leadership skills. However, Drake expressed concern that some school head teachers have been reluctant to provide the accurate number of students to avoid paying the 200 shillings per student annual subscription fee, which has affected UNSA’s ability to carry out its activities.

Drake also highlighted that many prominent leaders in Uganda began their leadership journey in schools, emphasizing the potential for school student leaders to reach top positions in the future.

Raymond Rukundo, the UNSA Rukungiri district coordinator, called on the newly elected student leaders to fulfill their roles as outlined in their positions. He also pointed out that indiscipline has been a challenge within UNSA, as some elected UNSA leaders in different schools have faced expulsion.

According to UNSA’s rules and regulations, once a student changes schools or is expelled, they are no longer eligible to hold leadership positions within UNSA.