Col. Nakalema tips Makerere students’ guild leadership on good conduct

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The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has held discussions with the Makerere University Students’ Guild leadership.

During the meeting held at SHIPU offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema acknowledged the role of the Students’ Guild, a platform where young leaders seek to play a crucial role in advocating the interests of the youth in higher education institutions. 

State House Investors Protection Unit boss Col. Edith Nakalema talking to Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba (L) and his cabinet at her offices at Nakasero on Friday while former Attorney General of Uganda, Fred Ruhindi looks on. (PPU Photo)

“We are happy to see that you are proactive in identifying areas where you can collaborate with the government for increased access to higher education. We should interact often. You should also advise us on projects that affect the youth," she said.

A press release from her office states that Col. Nakalema also commended the Students’ Guild for espousing democratic principles in constituting the students’ government and remaining proactive in maintaining a constructive link between the student body and the university administration.  

“Indeed, it is by working together, rather than antagonistically, that we collaboratively come up with holistic solutions to the challenges of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Therein lies the whole essence of your leadership as youth, leading with purpose for impact, “she said.

State House Investors Protection Unit boss Col. Edith Nakalema talking to Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba (L) and his cabinet at her offices at Nakasero on Friday while former Attorney General of Uganda, Fred Ruhindi looks on. (PPU Photo)

Col. Nakalema further cautioned the student leaders against being diverted by new innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT.

“The AI and ChatGPT are diverting you by making them think for the human race. You are much better than that technology. Really are we shaping humanity? We were created to be co-creators in the world, and we want humans to lead, not these innovations to lead and we follow. 

My appeal to you as young Ugandans, try to use your brains and use the AI to do what you want them to do, not the other way round. We need those innovations and sciences to develop the world but let your ideas take the lead,” she counselled.

Col. Nakalema also urged the student leaders to always come up with solutions to deal with the challenges at hand.  

“Write proposals but also come up with practical solutions for the challenges. As hardworking students and leaders, we expect a lot of solutions from you.”

Head of State House Investors Protection Unit Col. Edith Nakalema shares a light moment with Makerere University Guild president Vincent Lubega Nsamba at her offices in Nakasero on Friday. (PPU Photo)

Additionally, Col. Nakalema thanked the leadership of Makerere University for approaching SHIPU to work with the unit in serving Uganda.  

“Thank you for involving me in reflecting on the history of the Students’ Guild and how we can bring it into service as a constructive platform for young leaders,” she noted.  

Col. Nakalema also advised the student leaders to always concentrate on building a good character and conduct in addition to their academic performance. This, she said, will help them to be successful in society.  

“Good character and conduct will help you to go higher. You should also Keep good relations of value. Make sure that you relate well with each category of people," she advised.

Furthermore, Col. Nakalema also briefed the youth leaders about the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, an online platform aimed at easing the investment processes in Uganda.

She said the platform offers guidance to investors through access to authentic government sources, gives a comprehensive reporting mechanism for investor inquiries and complaints and offers robust enforcement and follow-up on reported issues, complemented by regular feedback to investors.

The Makerere University Guild President, Vincent Lubega Nsamba thanked Col. Nakalema for the insights.

He also informed Col. Nakalema how his guild government managed to change the past narrative that for students to get what they want from the administration; they had to first cause stampedes and unrest.

State House Investors Protection Unit boss Col. Edith Nakalema poses for a photo with Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba (seated C) and his cabinet after a meeting at Nakasero.(PPU Photo)

“We thought that things should be done differently, that's why we came up with the MUK public dialogue. SHIPU is part of the institutions that extend a hand to the Guild leadership. Thank you, Col. Edith, for always supporting us. To us you are the best public servant,” Nsamba said.

He also briefed Col. Nakalema on the forthcoming celebrations to mark the 90th Anniversary of the Students’ Guild. 

“During the celebrations, outstanding students and alumni will be awarded. We Shall also award the retiring staff for their contribution to the students’ Guild,” Nsamba said as he officially handed over an invitation to the celebrations to Col. Nakalema.

The former Attorney General of Uganda, Fred Ruhindi commended the leadership of Nsamba, saying that it is exceptional and good at handling the issues of the students and the administration amicably.

“Nsamba's leadership has a good approach in finding solutions for the students and not being part of the problems,” he said.