A new Students' Guild leadership and the executive committee of the Nkobazambogo association at Buganda Royal Institute have officially been inaugurated during a ceremony held at the institution's campus in Kakeeka, Mengo.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Lukiiko and Special Duties in the Office of the Katikkiro, Noah Kiyimba, who represented the Buganda Kingdom Minister of Heritage, Palaces, Tombs, Tourism and Security, Anthony Wamala.
Addressing the newly sworn-in leaders, Minister Kiyimba urged them to become solution-oriented leaders rather than leaders who merely present challenges.
"A leader should not lead problems. Even at your level as student leaders, whenever you approach the Principal with a challenge, do not only present the problem but also possible solutions that can help overcome it. Challenges will always exist, but let us not become leaders of problems. A true leader should not have excuses for every situation," he said.
Minister Kiyimba also emphasized the importance of self-belief, describing it as an essential quality for effective leadership. He commended the outgoing Guild President, Joel Mfutumkiiza, for authoring the book Believe, Begin and Become, which he said was written to restore hope and confidence among leaders.
He further called upon the new leaders to demonstrate honesty, integrity and transparency throughout their tenure, noting that leadership should reflect one's true character.
"Many leaders change once they assume office, yet leadership should reveal who we truly are. Every leader must be trustworthy and transparent because we live in an era that values openness. Avoid conducting business behind the backs of your superiors because transparency helps people work together," he said.
Minister Kiyimba also reminded the student leaders not to lose focus on the reason they joined the institution, saying leadership is temporary while education and personal development remain permanent. He encouraged them to actively embrace and promote the Buganda Kingdom's Situla Omutindo programme in everything they do.
The Principal of Buganda Royal Institute, Joseph Balikuddembe Ssenkusu, congratulated the outgoing student leaders upon completing their term and urged them to make good use of the professional knowledge and skills they acquired during their studies.
"We thank you for choosing different fields of study and acquiring valuable skills. Strengthen those skills because leadership is service, not a profession. Leadership comes to an end, but the knowledge and skills you have acquired remain with you throughout your life. Go and put into practice what you have studied, and do not disappoint us. Demonstrate the competence you gained from the Kabaka's institution," he said.
The Principal also encouraged the newly elected leaders, particularly members of the Nkobazambogo association, to continue promoting the image of the Buganda Kingdom within the institution through their service and activities.
The newly elected Students' Guild, led by Reachel Ndagaano Nnambatya as Guild President, was officially presented by the institution's Electoral Commission, represented by Peter Kato Muwonge.
The new leaders took their oath of office before students, lecturers and parents, pledging to serve with integrity and faithfully represent the interests of the student community.
The outgoing council, led by Polikapo Kawooya, expressed satisfaction with the achievements registered during its term despite the challenges encountered.
The outgoing leaders thanked the institution's administration for the support and confidence it extended to them throughout their leadership.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by lecturers, students, parents, members of the outgoing student leadership and the newly inaugurated leaders at Buganda Royal Institute in Kakeeka, Mengo.
