‘Lead With Integrity,’ Management Cautions Guild Cabinet During Induction Ceremony

KIU, Main Campus – The newly sworn-in 22nd Guild Cabinet at Kampala International University (KIU) Main Campus was cautioned to exercise humility, integrity, and teamwork during an induction ceremony held at the university’s IBM Library on Thursday, 16th July, 2026.

Presided over by the KIU Management team led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, the cabinet was advised not to let leadership get to their heads but rather remain civil, observe etiquette, disagree respectfully, and continue to build essential leadership skills, especially communication and self-expression.

“Protect the dignity of your institution, love it and defend it because you are ambassadors. We expect you to be the bridge that leads KIU to the world, not the barrier. And whenever there is a problem or a challenge, please let us talk about it, let us dialogue,” said the Vice Chancellor.

KIU University Council Member and representative of the Chairman Board of Trustees, Ambrose Kibuuka, urged the cabinet to use their leadership positions as career launch pads, noting that today takes care of tomorrow, hence leaders ought not to sleepwalk through life.

“In life, you do not become what you want, you become who you are,” said Kibuuka, stressing the importance of doing what is required now to become the people they aspire to be in the future. “If you cannot see beyond what the others are able to see that you are leading, then you are not the leader,” he added.

In an insightful PowerPoint presentation, Main Campus Administrator and Deputy University Secretary Christine Ainebyoona emphasized servant leadership, noting that a leader’s primary goal is to serve others before serving themselves.

“Leaders prioritize serving others by empowering, supporting, and developing their team members, listening actively, showing empathy and respect, building a positive environment, and making ethical decisions,” she highlighted.

Dean of Students’ Affairs, Shakiro Iluku, welcomed the newly sworn-in cabinet onboard and advocated for cooperation and the use of proper communication channels among the leaders and various administrative offices. “Leadership thrives on collaboration. Always use the right communication channels to build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and strengthen the bond between the Guild Cabinet and the university administration,” she advised.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension (RICE), Prof. Regina Ejemot-Nwadiaro, reinforced the importance of teamwork, stressing that the team is only as strong as its weakest link.

“You need to drive teamwork among your members. Do not ever pay lip service to teamwork or team spirit,” she added.

Guild President Emeritus Major Aineplani congratulated the new cabinet led by Guild President H.E. Edwin Agaba and, drawing from his experience, advised them to uphold good communication.

“Lead with humility and humanity, learn to delegate, and do good outside the university even when no one is watching,” he said.

The event concluded with reflections from former KIU Guild President Mary Favour Kabi Kiriza and former Gender, Ethics, and Culture Minister John Bosco Tumuramye, who testified that communication skills and competence are among the greatest contributors to a successful regime.

The induction ceremony underscored a consistent message from KIU leadership and alumni alike: true leadership is rooted in humility, service, and integrity. As the 22nd Guild Cabinet embarks on its journey, the call to “lead with integrity” serves not only as caution but as a guiding principle to ensure their tenure strengthens both the university and the future leaders it nurtures.