Mount Kigali University has welcomed new student governance following the handover ceremony on Wednesday, September 11 2024.
The elected leadership recognizes Nyemanzi Gloria Esther from the School of Business and Economics as Guild President, succeeding Florence Kudembe-the first female Guild president of the same university.
Joining Nyemanzi in this new leadership team is Shaban Saida Mayda, who will serve as the Vice Guild President, after her previous role as General Secretary.
Other key members include Atete Ange as General Secretary, Mugabo Anderson as Academic Affairs Minister, Niyobugingo Wilton as Sports Minister, Karangwa Nyirane Rose Mary as Finance Minister, Kamariza Lea as Social Welfare Minister, and Sibanda Pearl Sithatshisiwe as International Students Representative.
In an interview with MKUR magazine, Nyemanzi traces her leadership skills to high school days-where she served as a student council advisor and president of the debating club. At MKUR, she quickly rose from ‘class representative’ to Vice Guild president within one academic year, a milestone she attributes to ’empathy’.
With her campaign slogan: By the students for the students, Nyemanzi stressed that her leadership will be centered around listening to student’s concerns and taking decisive actions to address them.
“The desire to help and assist individuals whenever I’m in position to do so has always been my primary motivation. Therefore, as MKUSA’s topmost leader, I pledge to serve the student’s community effectively whilst exploring new challenges and striving effortlessly to achieve results,” remarked Nyemanzi.
The second female Guild president in the university’s history further echoed that “an inclusive and responsive leadership team that prioritizes student’s welfare and involvement” will be her main aim, using the tag line; Listen, Act, Achieve.
Florence Kudembe, outgoing guild president, on the other hand encouraged the succeeding leaders to lead with integrity and purpose, quoting John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
The handover event was graced by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Martin Kimemia who praised the outgoing team for their excellent service urging the elected ones to continue with the legacy of dedication and excellence.
“Your role is to lead by example in academics whilst upholding the highest standards. Hence, be leaders who are ethical, consistent and dedicated,” he remarked.
Echoing the same sentiments, Dr. Nelly Wamaitha, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Research Affairs coaxed the new leadership team to learn from their predecessors, balancing humility with firmness in their roles.
“Leadership is about serving the people who voted for you and delivering your promises realistically,” she explained.
Alternately, Evariste Murwanashyaka, the National Coordinator of the Rwanda National Student Association highlighted the broader significance of student leadership within the national context, encouraging both outgoing and incoming leaders to continue the tradition of impactful governance.
The Mount Kigali University Students Association (MKUSA) serves as a vital channel for students to voice up their concerns and aspirations. Under the University statutes 2023, the association comprises of a student’s governing body headed by the Guild President and other cabinet ministers-democratically elected by fellow students through free and fair elections every year.
