MBale, September 30, 2026
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College has ushered in a new chapter of student leadership with the swearing-in of the 2026/2027 Students’ Guild administration, led by newly elected Guild President H.E. Rev. John Charles Odeke.
The occasion brought together University administrators, staff members, students and the newly elected student leaders to witness the formal transition of leadership. It provided an important platform for the University community to recognise the new administration and the responsibilities that come with the mandate entrusted to the elected leaders.
Rev. Odeke and the newly elected Guild leaders took their oaths of allegiance on Wednesday, September 30, formally committing themselves to serve the student community after being entrusted with the mandate to lead for the 2026/2027 tenure. The taking of the oath represented a formal commitment by the new leaders to undertake their responsibilities with dedication and to represent the interests of the students during their period in office.
The ceremony also marked the official handover of student leadership from Mr. Waiswa Isaac, who served as Guild President during the 2025/2026 tenure. His term of office came to an end with the installation of the new administration, creating a transition from one elected leadership team to another. The handover therefore symbolised continuity in student governance while giving the new leaders an opportunity to begin their own tenure with a clear mandate from the student body.
The ceremony, presided over by UCU Mbale Principal Mr. Vincent Kisenyi, combined the formalities of assuming office with a strong call for responsible, peaceful and service-oriented leadership. His presence at the ceremony underscored the importance the University places on student leadership and its role in promoting effective communication and cooperation between students and the University administration.
As the new leaders took their oaths, the occasion also provided an opportunity for them to receive blessings, guidance and parental counsel as they begin their responsibilities. The guidance was intended to remind the new administration that leadership requires humility, responsibility, patience and a willingness to listen to the people they have been entrusted to serve.
Addressing staff, students and the newly sworn-in leaders, Mr. Kisenyi called on the University community to embrace the new administration and give it the support necessary to fulfil its mandate. He urged students and staff to pray for the leaders, work with them and offer constructive criticism where necessary, while cautioning against confrontations and fights arising from anxiety about the new leadership.
“Let us pray for this new leadership, work with them and support them. Where there are issues, let us criticise them constructively and guide them rather than resorting to fights out of anxiety,” Mr. Kisenyi said.
The message emphasised the importance of creating a peaceful environment in which the new Guild administration can carry out its responsibilities. Rather than responding to disagreements through confrontation, the University community was encouraged to use constructive dialogue and guidance as ways of addressing concerns. Such an approach allows student leaders to understand the expectations of the students while also giving them room to learn and improve as they serve.
Mr. Kisenyi’s call also highlighted the shared responsibility between leaders, students and the University administration. Effective student leadership requires cooperation from all sides, with leaders listening to students and students also engaging their leaders responsibly. Staff members and University administrators equally have a role to play by providing guidance and creating an environment where student concerns can be communicated and addressed appropriately.
The Principal further pledged the University’s support and mentorship to the new Guild administration, assuring the leaders that they would not be left to navigate their responsibilities alone.
“We shall support and mentor you as you serve. Leadership is a learning process, and you need guidance as you carry out the responsibilities entrusted to you,” he said.
The assurance provided encouragement to the newly sworn-in leaders as they begin their tenure. It also demonstrated that the University’s expectation is not simply for the Guild leaders to operate independently, but to work within a supportive relationship with the administration. Through mentorship and guidance, the new leaders can gain experience in handling student matters, communicating concerns and participating constructively in the wider life of the University.
The swearing-in marked more than a change of names in the Students’ Guild leadership. It signalled the beginning of a new period of student representation in which Rev. Odeke and his team will be expected to work with the University administration, staff and fellow students in addressing matters affecting the student community and contributing to the wider life of UCU Mbale.
The new administration now begins its tenure with the responsibility of translating its mandate into meaningful service to the student community. Its period in office will provide an opportunity for the leaders to engage students, communicate their concerns and work with the University to contribute to a positive campus environment.
As Rev. Odeke assumes leadership from Mr. Waiswa Isaac, the transition represents both an ending and a beginning: the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Students’ Guild administration and the commencement of the 2026/2027 tenure. The new leaders therefore begin their service with the expectations of the students, the guidance of the University administration and the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with student leadership.
The swearing-in ceremony consequently stood as a significant moment in the governance and student life of UCU Mbale University College, setting the foundation for the new Guild administration to serve, engage and work together with the wider University community throughout the 2026/2027 tenure.
By Harry Mukhooli
UCU, Mbale University College