Helen Nanteza Kawesa , the  Parliament Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs has been elected unopposed as chairperson of the Chevening Alumni Association of Ugandan (CAAU).

 Kawesa is replacing Emmanuel Mugunga, who is also the accounting officer ministry of energy and mineral development.

Kawesa has vowed to bring together the over 250 Chevening Alumni Association members over the last 20 years, to fight poverty amongst the needy communities.

The election of the new administration members took place at the annual general meeting of the Chevening Alumni Association of Ugandan (CAAU) on Saturday at Protea Hotel Kampala.

Other incoming leaders include Allan Brian Ssembajjwe (vice chairperson), Loyora Karobwa (compliance officer, Jacqeline Kaija (treasurer), Grace Kengazi (Secretary), Rita Namaganda (community liaison officer) and Phiona Apio, community officer.

The outgoing Chairperson Mugunga said Chevening association was formed with the aim of giving back to society, premised on leadership, networking, education and career growth.

Kawesa is also a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala-Ssese Islands that brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

Their work impacts life at both the local and international levels.

Chevening is the United Kingdom (UK) government’s international scholarship scheme aimed at developing global leaders and has been running since 1983. In Uganda, there are over 250 Chevening beneficiaries.

Kawesa said beneficiaries undertook their postgraduate master’s degree program in the United Kingdom with funding from Chevening scholarship, to serve their country in different capacities.

Kawesa said: “We are privileged to have been studying under the UK scholarship, however, we have a duty to serve in our county in different skills, as a requirement on the program.

“We are going to seek funds to start up programs to help Ugandan needy communities such as refuge communities, climate change, and poverty alleviations. We are also going to market to all Ugandans how they can apply for the UK scholarships because they are given out on merit.”

The British High Commission Kate Airey said: “Your mentorship to potential scholars will go a long way in helping us get more quality applications in the future. To the incoming committee, you have my full support and commitment to continue to work together. I am keen that we continue to strengthen our relationship with you and where possible include you in some of our programs and projects across the mission. You have the expertise and the skills and we want to use those.”

“We are also asking for your support in helping us to find partners we can work with to sponsor future Chevening scholars. Creating partnerships is important because they will help increase our allocation of Chevening scholars but more importantly because partners bring with them an enhanced skill set and leadership abilities and will also be great mentors for future Chevening scholars,” Kate said.

Some of the Ugandan members of CAAU are: Miria Matembe former minister for ethics and integrity, Andrew Mwenda (founder of The Independent, a current affairs newsmagazine), Philip Luswaata (founder and director of the Theatre Factory at the National Theatre in Kampala, One of Uganda's top comedians), Christine Wamala communication officer British High Commission Kampala, Herbert Arinaitwe Acting. Commissioner - Community Service (Monitoring and Compliance), Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tabu Butagira (Managing Editor for Content Generation Daily Monitor), Phiona Katusabe communication officer Living goods company, among others.