UCU Mbale University College has held a successful Guild Induction Ceremony aimed at equipping newly elected student leaders with leadership values, responsibilities, and principles that will guide them during their term of office. The ceremony brought together student leaders, members of staff, and the college administration, with presentations delivered by the Dean of Students, Rev. Okello Daniel Nakoli, Mr. Watuwa Anthony, the Guild President Mr. Waiswa Isaac, and the Principal of the college, Mr. Vincent Kisenyi.
While addressing the guild leaders, Rev. Okello Daniel Nakoli emphasized the core responsibilities of student leadership and reminded the leaders of their role in promoting students’ welfare and unity within the institution. He encouraged the guild leadership to work together as a team and remain committed to developing structures that support students effectively. “As guild leaders, your responsibility is to promote the welfare of students, organize activities and events, evaluate what is going wrong and right, and ensure accountability in everything you do,” Rev. Okello noted.
He further encouraged the leaders to embrace discipline and proper planning while executing their duties. “Discipline is a must for every leader. You should always learn how to write concepts and justifications for activities because leadership requires organization, accountability, and responsibility,” he added.
Speaking on leadership and academics, Mr. Watuwa Anthony reminded the student leaders that leadership is both a calling and a responsibility entrusted to them by God. “God appoints leaders and in the same way removes leaders. God has appointed you not only to be leaders but also students. Therefore, you must balance leadership with academics,” he said.
Mr. Watuwa Anthony emphasized the importance of networking and cooperation within academic life, encouraging the leaders to establish meaningful relationships that can help them grow. “Within academics we have to relate and build networks. Establish cooperation, collaboration, and networking because leadership grows through working together,” he advised.
During his presentation on the principles of good leadership, Mr. Watuwa Anthony highlighted servant leadership, integrity, accountability, humility, courage, justice, fairness, development of others, and self-control as key values every leader should embrace. He reminded the guild leaders that true leadership is about service to others. “Have service above self and always look at the people who elected you. Endeavor to lift them from lower levels to greater heights,” he stated.
Quoting Proverbs 29:18, he stressed the importance of vision and accountability in leadership. “Good leadership calls for vision and clarity because where there is no vision, people perish. Leadership is a dedicated authority, and one day every leader will be required to give accountability,” he said.
He also urged the leaders to practice humility and courage while serving others. Referring to Philippians 2:3, he encouraged them to avoid selfish ambition and embrace humility, while Joshua 1:9 challenged them to be courageous and strong in leadership. “You must lead yourself before leading others,” he added while quoting 1 Timothy 4:12.
Speaking during the induction ceremony, Guild President Mr. Waiswa Isaac appreciated the administration for organizing the leadership training and pledged commitment toward serving students diligently. “This induction has equipped us with valuable leadership knowledge and principles that will guide us during our term of service. As guild leaders, we are committed to working together, serving students faithfully, and promoting unity within the college,” he said.
The Principal of UCU Mbale University College, Mr. Vincent Kisenyi, officially commissioned the session and commended the student leaders for accepting the responsibility of leadership. He encouraged them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to both academics and service. “Leadership is not about position but responsibility. As student leaders, you must become examples to others through discipline, accountability, humility, and academic excellence,” Mr. Kisenyi remarked.
He further encouraged the guild leaders to uphold the values of UCU while working closely with the administration and students for the development of the college community. “Work together, listen to the students you represent, and always strive to leave a positive impact during your leadership journey,” he added.
The induction ceremony concluded with prayers and words of encouragement to the guild leaders as they begin their leadership journey at UCU Mbale University College.
Compiled by,
Harry Mukhooli