KIU Main Campus Guild Union Leadership Officially Hands Over Office

by Jacob Junior Munghesi

KIU, Main Campus - On Saturday, May 9th, 2026, Kampala International University (KIU), Main Campus, has officially witnessed the handover of leadership from the 21st Guild Union government to the newly elected Guild leadership in a ceremony marked by appreciation, reflection, and renewed commitment to student leadership.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Chief Guest, His Excellency Mourad Amokrane, the Ambassador of People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to Uganda, applauded the outgoing Guild leadership for inviting him to witness the handover ceremony. He encouraged the outgoing and incoming leaders to maintain leadership values even beyond university life.

The Ambassador further advised students to understand that University education goes beyond obtaining academic transcripts, emphasizing that campus life also provides opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.

“You have come to the University to get more than a degree. Go and lead,” he remarked.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (DVC-F&A), Dr. Mundu Mustafa, appreciated the Electoral Commission for organizing a free and fair election and thanked the Ambassador of Algeria to Uganda for gracing the ceremony as Chief Guest. He applauded the incoming Guild leadership for earning the trust and confidence of students and the administration through the electoral process.

He further encouraged the Guild leadership to support University initiatives by mobilizing students to actively participate in university programs and activities. He emphasized the significance of student leadership at KIU, noting that the Guild President serves on the University Council, giving students representation at the highest levels of governance.

The Main Campus Administrator and Deputy University Secretary, Ms. Christine Ainebyoona described the transition as a blessing and expressed optimism about the incoming leadership. She encouraged the new Guild cabinet to embrace exemplary leadership and benchmark with other universities to inspire reforms and strengthen student governance at KIU.

The Dean of Students, Ms Shakiro Joyce Iluku commended the outgoing Guild government for their humility and commitment while executing their duties. She reassured the incoming leadership of her continued support, noting that her office remains open to guide and support them throughout their tenure.

The incoming Vice Guild President, H.E Vanessa Mutesi thanked the newly elected Guild President for entrusting her with the responsibility to serve as Vice Guild President and pledged commitment toward fulfilling the expectations of the students.

In her remarks, the outgoing Vice Guild President, H.E Naome Kasana appreciated the outgoing Guild President for the teamwork and cooperation demonstrated during their tenure. She also thanked the Dean of Students for being a mother figure and pillar of support to the Guild leadership.

The outgoing Guild President, H.E Major Aineplani began by introducing his cabinet and thanking students for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the University. Quoting the Bible verse, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” he expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the KIU community.

He highlighted several achievements realized during his tenure, including the vibrant Trade Buzzer initiative, inter-faculty sports competitions, co-curricular activities, and the successful organization of Mr. and Miss KIU, among others. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together,” while appreciating his cabinet and the University administration for their support and solidarity.

The outgoing Guild President also extended special appreciation to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, for being supportive and attentive to students’ voices, expressing hope that the same support would continue under the new leadership.

In his maiden speech, the new Guild President, H.E Edwin Agaba expressed joy upon officially assuming office and pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and loyalty to the students, administration, and the entire KIU community.

The ceremony officially marked the transition into a new chapter of student leadership at KIU Main campus, with stakeholders expressing confidence in the incoming Guild government’s ability to build on the achievements of its predecessors.