KAMPALA — Robert Serwanga Ssalongo, the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts, has urged students seeking leadership positions under the Nkobazambogo Akalibaakendo association to view leadership as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
Serwanga made the remarks on Thursday at Bulange, where students from secondary schools affiliated with the Baganda Nkobazambogo Akalibaakendo association gathered to elect their national leaders for the 2026/2027 term.
“Leadership is not an honour but a responsibility. Once entrusted with it, you must exercise it responsibly and conduct yourself accordingly. As a leader, I know that one must excel beyond others in more than just academics, and our leader should never be among the least performers in the group,” Serwanga said.
The elections are being held to fill 15 positions, including Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Speaker, Women's Representative, Education Secretary, Culture Secretary and Sports Secretary, among other offices.
Under a new electoral system introduced by the Ministry of Youth, students first contest for leadership positions within Nkobazambogo structures in their respective schools before advancing to the next stage of the selection process.
The two candidates who secure the highest number of votes for each position have their names forwarded to the council responsible for overseeing youth associations, where further vetting and selection will determine the final office bearers.
Following Thursday's voting exercise, members of the association are awaiting the ministry's final decisions regarding the successful candidates.
Serwanga reminded students that school provides an important foundation for future leadership and urged them to use their positions to serve others responsibly.
“You are in school to be prepared for future leadership. Do not take leadership positions lightly, but listen to those guiding you because they are preparing you for greater service in the future,” he said.
The Chairperson of Nkobazambogo at Kirumba High School, Julius Kaweesi, expressed confidence in the election process and said the leaders selected would be capable of advancing youth development programmes within the kingdom.
Kaweesi said he expects the incoming leaders to effectively guide young people while supporting initiatives aligned with the strategic priorities of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Meanwhile, Grace Kigongo of Mother Kevin College Mabira, who is contesting for the position of Education Secretary, highlighted financial barriers that prevent some students from pursuing higher education.
She said that if elected, she would focus on creating awareness about educational opportunities established by the Kabaka, including scholarship programmes available at institutions of higher learning.
Several students also shared their expectations of the new leadership, expressing optimism about the future of the association and its role in youth development.
The Ministry of Youth is expected to announce the new Nkobazambogo Akalibaakendo executive committee on June 19, 2026.
The successful candidates will be officially unveiled and sworn into office during a ceremony at Bulange, Mengo.