By Joseph Odoi

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the 11th Guild Cabinet of African Rural University (ARU) was officially sworn in at the University Campus during a colourful ceremony at the Centre for Reflection.

The new student leadership takes office with a commitment to serve, represent, and inspire their fellow students in line with ARU’s vision of creating change agents for rural transformation.

During the handover, Ms. Bridget Atuhairwe, who succeeds Ms. Jacklyn Alinitwe as Guild President, pledged to be the voice of students and a bridge between the student body and ARU administration. She promised to build on the work of her predecessor while championing the aspirations of the student community.

Outgoing Guild President Ms. Jacklyn Alinitwe shared key highlights from her tenure, which included the establishment of a new student farm at the ARU campus, capacity building of students in AI Technology and leading ecosystem restoration campaigns in Kagadi District in partnership with the Town Council and District leadership. She thanked her cabinet and the student community for their support, noting that collective effort had been vital in achieving these milestones.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Noeline Lucy, shared her personal leadership journey, tracing it from her early school days to her current position serving on different boards, including her recent nomination to the board of KCSON. She emphasized that capacity is a crucial element of leadership, encouraging the new cabinet to embrace continuous growth, resilience, and learning as they take up their new roles.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Noeline Lucy sharing her remarks

Representing the Academic Registrar, Ms. Patience Tumukunde thanked the outgoing Guild Cabinet for their service and commitment. She challenged the new team to recognize that true leadership is based on service, and further encouraged students to carry on with ARU’s visionary leadership approach, which focuses on possibilities rather than problems.

Some of the Participants during swearing in session

The event was attended by a diverse group of people  including Dr Akbar Saaed , Ms. Sasira Bless, ARU Dean of Students; Kasfa Ategeka, ARU Administrator; Ms. Josephine Nampewo, Acting Human Resource Officer; students from St. Ambrose Kagadi; URDT staff; and community members.