Meet Gloria Nyemanzi, the freshly elected Guild president at Mount Kigali University (MKU). A fierce advocate for students and a trailblazer for women in leadership, Nyemanzi’s rise to the top didn’t happen by chance. With an unwavering commitment to her peers and a skill for inspiring others, she’s ready to lead MKU into a brighter, more inclusive future.
From Vice to President: The Journey That Shaped Nyemanzi
Winning 44.1% of the vote in the recent Mount Kigali University Student’s Association (MKUSA) elections, Nyemanzi took the lead with 1,320 votes, while her closest rival, John Luke Rurangirwa, earned 38.1% with 1,139 votes. The third candidate, Fred Shyaka, secured 530 votes, bringing the total count to 2,989 votes.
In an exclusive sit-down interview with MKU Magazine, Nyemanzi revealed her vision for an MKU where students don’t just have a voice—they have power.
Who is Nyemanzi Gloria?
Nyemanzi’s not your average student leader. The youngest in a family of five, she’s a self-described goal-getter, a lifelong learner, and someone who’s always curious to find out why and how things work.
Taking the Leap into Leadership
When Nyemanzi first joined MKU, she didn’t picture herself as Guild President. Yet, her classmates quickly spotted her potential and chose her as their class representative in her very first semester. And then, as student elections approached, they encouraged her to go bigger.
“When I joined MKU, my classmates endorsed me as their class rep. Later, they pushed me to run for Vice Guild President,” she explains. “It wasn’t something I expected, but I decided to go for it.”
Her journey from Vice President to Guild President wasn’t part of her initial plan either. But her predecessor saw the potential and motivated her to take that next step. “She always said I’d be great for the role,” Nyemanzi recalls. And with backing from her friends, family, and classmates, she ran—and won.
What’s It Like Running the Guild?
As Guild President, Nyemanzi has one mission: to make students’ lives at MKU better. She’s the voice that represents them, whether it’s with university management or in meetings that extend beyond MKU’s campus.
“My office is always open,” Nyemanzi says. “I’m here to listen to students’ concerns and make sure they’re heard by the higher-ups. When necessary, I also represent both MKU and its students in external matters.”
A New Chapter: Nyemanzi’s Vision for the Guild
Nyemanzi has a bold vision for the Guild. “I want to create a more inclusive, engaging environment where every student feels like their voice matters and their concerns are taken seriously,” she shares. And she’s already mapping out ways to make it happen. Key among her plans? Reforming student governance and building stronger partnerships with the university administration.
Taking on Gender Stereotypes, One Step at a Time
Being a woman in leadership hasn’t always been easy, but Nyemanzi’s using every challenge as fuel to prove herself. “There’s this underlying belief that women can’t lead as effectively as men,” she says. But she’s never let these assumptions hold her back. “I believe actions speak louder than words. Through my work, I’ve broken many stereotypes.”
She’s also passionate about empowering other women on campus. “I believe in lifting others as I rise,” she notes, sharing how she’s mentoring new female Guild members and pushing them to aim high.
Tackling Challenges Head-On
Nyemanzi knows it’s not all smooth sailing. One of her major achievements so far has been setting up a system to make life easier for online students.
“We introduced a new way for online students (DIBEL) to get their examination cards without missing deadlines,” she explains. “Their cards are now collected and sent to finance for stamping, which has saved everyone a lot of time.” It wasn’t an easy fix, but Nyemanzi and her team got it done.
“We definitely face challenges, but my team and I are always ready to sit down, strategize, and come up with solutions. We’re here to serve the students.”
A Message to MKU Students
Nyemanzi’s got a clear message for her peers: she’s got their back, but she’s also working in harmony with the administration.
“We’re here for the students, but that doesn’t mean we’ll go along with everything the administration wants. We analyze things from every angle before we make a move.”
And for Nyemanzi, leading the student body isn’t just a role—it’s an honor. “I’m happy, honored, and blessed to serve as Guild President. Together, we can create the legacy we all want.”
Contributors @achille-mugisha
