University student leaders meet over accountability issues

The conference was closed on Saturday evening with the awarding of certificates to all universities and best participants as a way of motivation and encouragement. PHOTO BY SADAT MBOGO

Universities and other tertiary institutions in Uganda have been advised to compete against each other with love to create harmony and peace in the education sector.
According to Rev. Fr. John Fisher Kiyimba, the Education Secretary in Masaka Diocese, both public and private institutions should work together and love each other if the country is willing to improve on the education standards.

"We hope to help the next generation but it won't be done if we are still seeing fights, riots and demonstrations in our universities. Let the administrators, students and their leaders come together as one, they compete against each other with love, share development issues and build a strong foundation for Uganda of tomorrow," he said.
He made the remarks during the 5th Annual Guild Leaders Conference organised by Uganda Dean of Students Forum (UDOSF) held at Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi Campus in Mpigi District at the weekend.

The three days event was organised under a theme: "Strengthening Accountable Students Leadership Practices in Universities."
The conference brought various Dean of students from over 20 public and private universities in Uganda, together with the student leaders purposely to deliberate on a number of issues concerning their offices and students welfare in general.

Mr David Christopher Kasasa, the chairperson of UDOSF urged student leaders to always move with discipline, promote togetherness amongst the students despite their political affiliations, race, religion or age.
Mr. Aloysius Kibira Muwonge, one of the participants (also the guild president of Muteesa I Royal University) said many institutions fail to achieve their goals simply because the university administrators create a huge gap between themselves and the student leaders.

"...that's what we fail to agree at times and we end up seeing riots and unending sit-down strikes. However, this gap can be linked if universities start promoting the skill of dialogue. This can easily help us to grow, to move on without fighting each other and help in improving education standards in the country," Mr. Kibira said.
The conference was closed on Saturday evening with the awarding of certificates to all universities and best participants as a way of motivation and encouragement.