Mount Kigali University has welcomed new student governance following the handover ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, where Nyemanzi Gloria Esther from the School of Business and Economics was inaugurated as the new Guild President of the Mount Kigali University Student Association (MKUSA).
Nyemanzi Gloria Esther succeeds Kudembe Florence, the university’s first female Guild President, having previously served as Vice Guild President under the outgoing council.
Speaking with Mount Kigali University Magazine, she described her leadership journey, which began in high school as a student council advisor and president of the debating club. At MKU, she quickly rose from being a class representative to the Vice Guild President within one academic year. “My desire to help and assist people when I have the possibility to do so is my primary motivation,” Nyemanzi explained. She hopes to empower herself through this leadership position to serve the student community effectively while exploring new challenges and unlocking her creative potential.
Nyemanzi emphasized that her leadership would be centered on her campaign slogan, “BY THE STUDENTS FOR THE STUDENTS—Listen, Act, Achieve.” She committed to listening to students’ concerns, taking decisive actions to address them, and achieving meaningful results.
The goal, she noted, is to create an inclusive and responsive leadership team that prioritizes student welfare and involvement. “We aim to be a more available and present team for the student body, employing creative and innovative solutions to address students’ challenges,” she added.
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.
Outgoing Guild President Florence Kudembe, took a moment to reflect on her journey and share advice with the new leaders. She expressed gratitude to the university’s administration, especially the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and Dr. Joyce Kirabo, the former Dean of Students, for their unwavering support.
Florence encouraged the incoming team 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.” She emphasized the importance of resilience and teamwork, advising the new leaders to rely on each other and make decisions that serve the best interests of the student body.
The handover event also featured remarks from Vice Chancellor Dr. Martin Kimemia, who praised the outgoing team for their excellent service and urged the new leaders to continue this legacy of dedication and excellence.
Dr. Kimemia stressed that leadership involves responsibility, inclusivity, and collaboration with both students and faculty. He underscored the importance of academic excellence, saying, “Be leaders who are ethical, consistent, and dedicated. Your role is to lead by example in academics and uphold the highest standards.”
Adding to the conversation, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Research Affairs, Dr. Nelly Wamaitha, encouraged the new leaders to learn from their predecessors and to balance humility with firmness in their roles. She reminded them “leadership is about serving the people who voted for them and delivering on promises realistically”.
The Dean of Students, Lucie Uwimana, echoed similar sentiments, urging the new leaders to lead with empathy, courage, and a commitment to action while assuring them of the administration’s full support.
The event also welcomed Evariste Murwanashyaka, the National Coordinator of the Rwanda National Student Association, who congratulated both the outgoing and incoming committees. He praised the efforts of the former Guild President and encouraged the new leadership to continue the tradition of impactful governance.
He also highlighted the broader significance of student leadership within the national context, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity among student associations across Rwanda.
The Mount Kigali University Students Association (MKUSA) serves as a vital channel for students to voice up their concerns and aspirations. The University statutes 2023, establishes the student’s governing body headed by the Guild President and other cabinet ministers, who are democratically elected by fellow students through free and fair elections every year.
