UNSA CHALLENGES STUDENT LEADERS TO CHAMPION INTEGRITY AS INDUCTION ENDS

H.E Ainebabazi Shilla and students from Gulu central high school pose for photo after the induction

By Biko Rombe

Gulu City

Student leaders in Gulu City have been urged to embrace ethical leadership, accountability and service as the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) concluded its annual Student Leadership Induction.

The induction, held at Gulu Central High School, brought together about 400 to 450 student leaders and patrons from 28 secondary schools and institutions of higher learning across Gulu City and neighbouring districts.

Held under the theme, “Students’ Participation in Unmasking Corruption and Strengthening Integrity,” the event focused on equipping young leaders with skills to promote transparency, responsible leadership and good governance in their respective institutions.

Speaking during the event, UNSA Gulu City Coordinator Akena Amos Onyura said the annual induction is designed to prepare student leaders to address challenges affecting learners while developing leadership skills that will benefit them beyond school.

He said student leaders play a critical role in promoting integrity, fighting corruption and ensuring that learners’ concerns are addressed through responsible leadership.

Students attending the induction.

One of the keynote facilitators, UNSA Kampala Coordinator Kizito Isaac, reminded student leaders that UNSA is more than a student association, describing it as an institution established to protect students’ rights and welfare across Uganda.

He traced the organisation’s history from the National Union of Students of Uganda (NUSU), founded in 1964, to the Uganda National Students Association following reforms in 1988, before its recognition under the Education Act of 2008.

Kizito said UNSA has remained a platform for organised student leadership, advocating for learners’ interests while nurturing future leaders.

He challenged the students to understand that leadership is not defined by positions but by the ability to serve, solve problems and inspire positive change.

“The title of a student is temporary, but leadership does not expire,” Kizito said, urging student leaders to balance their leadership responsibilities with academic excellence.

UNSA President H.E. Sheila Ainemabazi commended the Gulu City leadership for organising the induction, saying such platforms are important in preparing young leaders to address challenges within their schools and communities.

She encouraged student leaders to use their positions responsibly and become advocates for positive transformation among learners.

Representing Gulu City Mayor His Worship Julius Labega, the Chairperson for Nature, Youth and Children, Hon. Oketayot Aaron, challenged students to actively participate in the fight against corruption by promoting accountability and transparency.

Quoting the late former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, Oketayot reminded the students that corruption affects society and that change begins with individual responsibility.

“The struggle begins with you,” he told the student leaders, urging them to lead by example and uphold integrity in their schools and communities.

Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Bardege-Layibi Division, Kambir Amir, urged student leaders to view leadership as a responsibility to solve problems rather than merely raise complaints.

“Leadership is problem solving. A leader who only complains about problems becomes the problem,” he said.

The induction featured sessions on governance, HIV prevention, road safety and academic leadership, with participants pledging to apply the knowledge gained to improve leadership and student welfare in their respective institutions.