Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) Dean of Students office is conducting a comprehensive two-day induction exercise for the 19th guild leadership at Block C, aimed at equipping newly elected student leaders with essential governance and service delivery skills.
The induction program, running under the theme “Empowering Student Leadership for Effective Governance and Service,” brings together guild council members, departmental representatives, and other student leaders in an intensive capacity-building initiative.
In her opening remarks, Dean of Students Roselyne Ssali challenged the new leaders to live exemplary lives that would inspire their fellow students. “Leadership is not just about holding positions, but about setting the right example for others to follow,” Ssali emphasized during the opening ceremony.
Ssali called upon the guild leaders to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and dedication in their service to the student community. She stressed that exemplary leadership begins with personal conduct and extends to how leaders handle their responsibilities and interact with their constituents.
Speaking on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Pius Coxwell Achanga, Dr. Aregu Raphael, the University Librarian, urged the student leaders to remain focused on their academic studies despite their leadership responsibilities. Dr. Aregu emphasized that academic excellence should remain the primary priority for all student leaders.
“Leadership positions should complement, not compromise, your academic pursuits,” Dr. Aregu stated while representing the Vice Chancellor. He reminded the guild leaders that they are students first and must maintain a balance between their leadership duties and academic commitments.
Guild President, His Excellency Francis Byakagaba Muhumuza also addressed the gathering, calling on all leaders to work diligently during their term in office. The Guild President emphasized the importance of commitment and hard work in delivering on the promises made to the student body during the campaign period.
“We have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve our fellow students, and this requires dedication and diligent work throughout our term,” Muhumuza stated. He urged his fellow leaders to approach their roles with seriousness and commitment to meaningful service.
The Dean of Students office has structured the exercise to address critical areas of student leadership, including governance principles, effective communication, conflict resolution, budget management, and student advocacy strategies. The program seeks to ensure that the incoming guild leadership is well-prepared to serve the student body effectively.
“This induction exercise is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for our new student leaders,” Ssali noted. “We want to ensure they understand their roles, responsibilities, and the mechanisms available to them for effective service delivery.”
The two-day intensive program includes interactive sessions and practical exercises designed to enhance leadership capabilities. Topics covered include understanding MMU governance structure and student representative, effective leadership and team dynamics, guild constitution student rights and university policies, financial management and accountability in student governance, planning and organizing student activities & events, communication skills and public speaking for student leaders, conflict resolution and student welfare advocacy, managing social media and digital communication, and career growth, mentorship and leaving a legacy.
Block C has been selected as the venue to provide a conducive environment for learning and networking among the guild leaders. The facility offers adequate space for both plenary sessions and breakout group activities.
The 19th guild leadership takes office at a time when student engagement and representation remain critical to university governance. The induction exercise aims to prepare leaders who can effectively bridge the gap between student concerns and administrative responses.
All speakers emphasized that the program would enhance the capacity of student leaders to champion student rights, promote academic excellence, and foster a positive campus environment. The exercise also emphasizes the importance of accountability, transparency, and inclusive leadership in student governance.
The induction program represents MMU’s commitment to developing well-rounded student leaders who can contribute meaningfully to university governance while serving as effective advocates for their peers.
Upon completion of the two-day exercise, the guild leaders will be better positioned to assume their responsibilities and begin implementing their campaign promises to the student community while maintaining their academic focus and working diligently in their service.
