Education
New Gulu University guild president to prioritise student welfare, dialogue
Onekgiu said many former student leaders viewed strikes and demonstrations as the primary means of addressing student concerns, but argued that such approaches often fail to produce meaningful results.
The newly sworn-in Gulu University Guild President, Pius Onekgiu, has pledged to steer student leadership away from strikes and protests, emphasising constructive dialogue with the university administration. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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The newly sworn-in Gulu University guild president, Pius Onekgiu, has pledged to steer student leadership away from strikes and protests, emphasising constructive dialogue with the university administration as the preferred approach to resolving student grievances.
Onekgiu made the commitment on June 2, 2026, shortly after taking the oath of office alongside Guild Representative Council (GRC) members and his cabinet at a ceremony held at the Gulu University Library.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the university's legal officer, Moses Omara, and the deputy dean of students, Pamella Peace Okwir.
Addressing students after his swearing-in, Onekgiu said many former student leaders viewed strikes and demonstrations as the primary means of addressing student concerns, but argued that such approaches often fail. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
Following the ceremony, GRC representatives elected Innocent Ayebale as guild speaker and Harrison Benjamin Tumusabe as deputy speaker.
Onekgiu subsequently unveiled his cabinet, appointing Flavia Aromo Imelda as vice president, Lucy Apio as prime minister, Alex Niwagaba as deputy prime minister, and Benon Wambuko as minister for finance.
He also named himself and Jolly Agenorwot Oketta as student representatives to the University Council.
Brenda Angut and Hallan Nyeko were appointed to represent students on the University Senate, while Justine Opoka was named minister for social affairs and culture, assisted by state minister William Kilama.
However, a surprise development emerged when Muhindo Shadad declined his appointment as minister for health and environment.
Addressing students after his swearing-in, Onekgiu said many former student leaders viewed strikes and demonstrations as the primary means of addressing student concerns, but argued that such approaches often fail to produce meaningful results.
“Leadership is not about mobilising students for strikes. It is about engaging the administration and finding solutions that support students in achieving their academic goals,” he said.
Onekgiu pointed to his tenure as caretaker guild leader, during which he successfully engaged university management to allow more than 300 students with outstanding tuition balances to sit examinations.
He urged his newly appointed cabinet members to remain committed to the promises they made during the election campaign and focus on delivering services to students.
Among his priorities is developing concept notes aimed at helping financially struggling students raise tuition through talent development and skills-based initiatives.
He also revealed plans to pursue educational sponsorships and grant opportunities for students.
Alliance fallout
The unveiling of the cabinet was overshadowed by a disagreement between Onekgiu and former guild presidential contender Muhindo Shadad.
In an interview with New Vision, Muhindo claimed he withdrew from the presidential race after reaching a power-sharing agreement with Onekgiu.
According to him, the agreement was intended to guarantee him a key position in the new administration.
“I wanted to be finance minister, but he told me that position was too small and instead promised me the prime minister role,” Muhindo said. “I supported him with resources and mobilisation, but he later appointed me to a different position.”
Muhindo said he was disappointed by what he described as a breach of trust, particularly after investing significant effort in supporting Onekgiu's campaign.
Responding to the allegations, Onekgiu acknowledged that discussions had taken place but said he opted to appoint a woman as prime minister to promote gender balance after both the speaker and deputy speaker positions were taken by men.
He maintained that Muhindo had not been sidelined and was offered the health and environment docket, which he described as an important ministry capable of serving students effectively.
“I am still willing to engage Mhindo and persuade him to accept the appointment,” Onekgiu said. “But if he declines, I will have to nominate someone else. Our focus should be service delivery to students, not positions or monetary considerations.”
Call for integrity
Okwir challenged the new guild leadership to prioritise integrity and service over personal interests.
Okwir expressed concern over individuals lobbying for cabinet positions and questioned whether their motivations were centred on student welfare.
“I always ask those seeking positions what they intend to do for students rather than what they stand to gain personally,” she said.
She reminded the new leaders that student leadership is an opportunity to nurture future national leaders and assured them of continued support and guidance from her office.
Gulu University, one of Uganda's public universities, has a student population of more than 6,000, many of whom come from northern Uganda, a region still grappling with the long-term effects of conflict and economic hardship.
With many students reportedly struggling to pay tuition, the new guild administration says it will prioritise initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden through fundraising activities, sponsorship opportunities and skills-based empowerment programmes.
“Leadership is not about mobilising students for strikes. It is about engaging the administration and finding solutions that support students in achieving their academic goals,” he said.
Onekgiu pointed to his tenure as caretaker guild leader, during which he successfully engaged university management to allow more than 300 students with outstanding tuition balances to sit examinations.
He urged his newly appointed cabinet members to remain committed to the promises they made during the election campaign and focus on delivering services to students.
Among his priorities is developing concept notes aimed at helping financially struggling students raise tuition through talent development and skills-based initiatives.
He also revealed plans to pursue educational sponsorships and grant opportunities for students.
Alliance fallout
The unveiling of the cabinet was overshadowed by a disagreement between Onekgiu and former guild presidential contender Muhindo Shadad.
In an interview with New Vision, Muhindo claimed he withdrew from the presidential race after reaching a power-sharing agreement with Onekgiu.
In an interview with New Vision, Mhindo claimed he withdrew from the presidential race after reaching a power-sharing agreement with Onekgiu. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
According to him, the agreement was intended to guarantee him a key position in the new administration.
“I wanted to be finance minister, but he told me that position was too small and instead promised me the prime minister role,” Muhindo said. “I supported him with resources and mobilisation, but he later appointed me to a different position.”
Muhindo said he was disappointed by what he described as a breach of trust, particularly after investing significant effort in supporting Onekgiu's campaign.
Responding to the allegations, Onekgiu acknowledged that discussions had taken place but said he opted to appoint a woman as prime minister to promote gender balance after both the speaker and deputy speaker positions were taken by men.
He maintained that Muhindo had not been sidelined and was offered the health and environment docket, which he described as an important ministry capable of serving students effectively.
“I am still willing to engage Mhindo and persuade him to accept the appointment,” Onekgiu said. “But if he declines, I will have to nominate someone else. Our focus should be service delivery to students, not positions or monetary considerations.”
Call for integrity
Okwir challenged the new guild leadership to prioritise integrity and service over personal interests.
Okwir expressed concern over individuals lobbying for cabinet positions and questioned whether their motivations were centred on student welfare.
“I always ask those seeking positions what they intend to do for students rather than what they stand to gain personally,” she said.
She reminded the new leaders that student leadership is an opportunity to nurture future national leaders and assured them of continued support and guidance from her office.
Gulu University, one of Uganda's public universities, has a student population of more than 6,000, many of whom come from northern Uganda, a region still grappling with the long-term effects of conflict and economic hardship.
With many students reportedly struggling to pay tuition, the new guild administration says it will prioritise initiatives aimed at easing the financial burden through fundraising activities, sponsorship opportunities and skills-based empowerment programmes.