Student leaders in Mukono District have been urged to be law-abiding, responsible citizens and to prioritise strong communication skills to enhance their effectiveness in and beyond school settings.
This call was made during the Annual Student Leaders’ Summit held at Seeta University in Mukono.
Led by the Mukono District Police Commander, Bernard Mugerwa, the summit featured practical sessions on legal awareness and leadership ethics.
Mugerwa emphasised the importance of empowering student leaders to understand legal procedures, report cases confidently, and support justice systems through proper communication and conduct.
“In case a crime occurs within the school, students must ensure the scene is protected and undisturbed before contacting police either via phone or in person,” Mugerwa advised.
He guided students on how to file complaints and what key information to include when reporting incidents, outlining the steps involved in handling school-related or criminal cases.
Beyond law enforcement, a major highlight of the summit was the emphasis on public speaking and communication skills—areas many educators say are neglected in schools dominated by rote learning.
Organised by Save a Youth Uganda, a youth-led organisation that supports young people through leadership training and mentorship, the summit drew student leaders from secondary schools and institutions of higher learning across the country.
Paul Ssenyonga, executive director of Save a Youth Uganda, underscored the importance of communication in leadership and personal growth.
“Public speaking builds social capital,” he said. “It unlocks potential in areas often overlooked in the traditional curriculum. We want to equip student leaders with the right skills to lead effectively within school and beyond.”
Bridget Nanteza, Head Girl of Mt. St. Mary’s College, shared how the summit boosted her confidence and improved her ability to engage both students and teachers.
Human resources expert and motivational speaker Simeo Subukulu reminded the students that self-expression is a critical tool for accessing opportunities in the modern world.
“Regardless of your talent, if you can’t express yourself, people won’t understand your value,” he said. “Communication is the bridge to opportunity.”
He urged schools to establish platforms such as debate clubs, Interact clubs, and motivational seminars to support student development in leadership and expression.
The summit is part of a broader push by education stakeholders to complement classroom learning with practical life skills, ensuring young people are not only academically competent but socially and ethically grounded leaders of tomorrow.