The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by the Alumni Association Executive, Muhindo Milly
Desire, who was the MC for the event. In her remarks, Alumnae Muhindo, in a special way, welcomed
everyone to the historic ARU Alumnae Launch. She noted that the purpose of the event was to launch
the ARU Alumni Association, which would foster a lifelong relationship between the alumni and their
alma mater, advance women’s empowerment through networking, mentorship, and professional
development opportunities for female graduates and community at large.
In his remarks, Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, the Vice Chancellor of African Rural University congratulated all
ARU  alumnae for the milestone which comes with responsibility
As a matter  of  principle, Dr. Musheshe reminded the  participants  that Alumnae are key to
transformative change .
 “You are the ambassadors of ARU, if we talk about  transformation, you should  be transformed , if we
talk about being  peace makers ,have you  made peace with yourself ? I challenge you to do everything
in a way that  reflects our  University motto, vision, and mission ”  he tasked the Alumnae
In a special  way, Dr. Musheshe thanked the chief guest, Patricia Seybold , and Alida for their steadfast
friendship and support for African University, being great resources and capacity builders for the
institution.
The chief guest, Patricia Seybold , delivered an inspiring speech, commending the efforts of African
University in providing quality education and nurturing future leaders. She emphasized the importance
of alumni support in advancing the mission of the university and encouraged the alumnae to stay
connected, contribute to the growth of the association, and give back to their alma mater.
Joy Alinda, the Chairperson of the Alumnae Executive Committee, expressed her excitement and
gratitude to see the long-held dream of an alumni association come to fruition. She highlighted the goals
of the association, which included promoting networking opportunities, providing mentorship and
career guidance to current students, and giving back to the university through philanthropic initiatives.
She also expressed her gratitude for the presence of the chief guest, Patty, acknowledging her endless
contributions towards women’s education and rural transformation through ARU.
The Academic Registrar of ARU, Mr. Anthony Claret Lwanga, also took the stage and congratulated the
alumnae, emphasizing the importance of networking and working together as alumnae to give back to
the university and serve as loyal advocates of ARU.

More about the ARU Alumnae Association Launch
The launch of the African University Alumnae Association was a celebratory event that highlighted the
impact of women as leaders and change makers. Muhimbise Sarah, the Epic Centre Manager for the
YAWU project in Kiryadongo District, delivered a keynote presentation at the event with the theme
“Visionary Women Leaders.” Sarah emphasized the key attributes of visionary women leaders, including
taking ownership of success, uplifting and empowering others, being inspiring role models, prioritizing
personal development, and valuing effective communication, inclusivity, humanity, and empathy in their
leadership style. The event showcased the importance of visionary women leaders and their
contributions to society.
The highlight of the event was the generous donation of 300 USD approximately 1.5 million Ugx by
Patty to the alumni Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), which aims to provide
financial support and empowerment to fellow alumni. Patty’s contribution was met with heartfelt
appreciation from the alumnae community, as it will undoubtedly aid in fostering the growth and
development of the alumni association.