UNSA distances from pressure groups, says their Patron Museveni to attend annual AGM

KAMPALA - The Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) has publicly distanced itself from emerging youth pressure groups, stating that such groups have no legal or constitutional mandate over the students’ body.

Speaking at a press conference on November 27, 2025, UNSA President Wilson Mugazhu clarified that the association is not owned or controlled by any individual or external organisation, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

The leadership cautioned students and the general public against being misled by groups attempting to associate themselves with UNSA for influence, recruitment or political gain.

Mugazhu emphasised that UNSA is a student-founded initiative created to nurture transformative leadership and represent the interests of learners.

“Our relevance in this office and the leadership positions we hold is specifically to represent students’ views and speak on their behalf, advocating for fair, education-based policies. That is where our interest lies,” he said.

He stressed that UNSA is strictly non-partisan.

“So we disassociate ourselves from rumours and social media posts claiming that UNSA is involved in politics or partisan activities. It is strictly a students’ movement. Many people have tried to brand us differently, but we restate that UNSA is a students’ movement,” Mugazhu explained.

The association affirmed that its structures—from classroom leaders to national representatives remain intact and fully functional. It warned that any parallel structures or pressure groups claiming control over UNSA are illegitimate and should be ignored.

UNSA added that it collaborates only with recognised bodies that share similar objectives, such as the National Youth Council and the Patriotism Secretariat.

Flanked by his cabinet, Mugazhu reaffirmed that UNSA is student-founded and student-led, mandated to represent learners’ voices on academic and welfare matters across secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and universities.

All students in registered institutions automatically qualify as members by law.

The association also confirmed preparations for the 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for 15–19 December 2025 at Seeta University in Mukono District.

The AGM will bring together 1,500 student leaders from across the country, including district delegates, guild representatives, district coordinators, secretariat staff, and alumni.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Patron of UNSA, is expected to attend as the Guest of Honour alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.

The Uganda National Students’ Association’s (UNSA) leadership also said their patron, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is expected to attend their 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for December 15–19, 2025, at Seeta University in Mukono district, as the Guest of Honour alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.

“We know him as the patron of this association. He has fathered us for years, and we do not take that for granted. However, I wish to remind every student and everyone that UNSA is non-partisan. It is a student movement, not a political one,” Mugazhu stated.

The leadership thanked President Museveni for his continued support, guidance and mentorship.

UNSA further stressed that only paid-up and duly registered members will be eligible to participate in the AGM. The final register of delegates and the list of successful nominations will be released on 1 December 2025.

Delegates have been advised to carry bed sheets, pillows, bathing soap, and shoe polish, while mattresses will be provided.

“We expect over 1,500 delegates, all of whom will reside at Seeta University for the Annual Students’ Council,” Mugazhu noted.

He urged the next leadership to uphold integrity and prioritise students’ interests.

“We have engaged stakeholders and pushed for changes where we see unfairness. One major concern is the surcharges imposed by universities. Parents who are already struggling to pay tuition on time are penalised with heavy late fees. If a parent cannot pay on time because they lack the money, increasing the amount further is not fair. That has been our cry,” he stressed.

The leadership also welcomed the inclusion of the graduates’ fund in the NRM manifesto, saying it will help address youth unemployment.

As part of efforts to streamline operations, UNSA reminded District Coordinators to follow proper procedures, ensure delegates have parental and school consent, and verify that all students travel in full school uniform.

UNSA Speaker Emmanuel Edunu revealed that elections for the National Executive Committee will be held at the end of the council meeting.

“We who you see here this afternoon are just a small segment of the National Executive Committee. As the National Students’ Council takes place, there will also be a transition as we pave the way for new leaders. The programme for the four-day Annual General Meeting will be published in the print media, various newspapers and also shared widely on our social media platforms and website so that members can acquaint themselves with the expectations and prepare accordingly,” Edunu said.

“On 21 November 2025, we issued a provisional register, and the final list will be released on 1 December. Currently, we are carrying out the nomination exercise, and the documents are already in circulation. All successful nominees will be listed by 2 December,” he added.

He reaffirmed that UNSA stands on three pillars—students’ excellence, students’ discipline, and students’ welfare and remains non-partisan with no affiliation to any political party or pressure group attempting to associate itself with the organisation.