Mbale, (UG):- The Coordinator of Makerere University Mbale Centre, Mr Steven Masiga has encouraged Guild Councils across universities to always hand over power as a symbol of democracy when their tenure comes to an end.
Mr Masiga urged the new Guild Leadership of Mbale School of Clinical Officers (SOCO) to adhere to the principles of administrative law if they are to lead effectively and satisfy the constituencies that entrusted them with student leadership.
He made these remarks during the handover and takeover ceremony of the new Guild Council at Mbale School of Clinical Officers in Mbale City on Saturday, December 07, 2024.
The College of Health Sciences Principal, represented by the Clinical Head of Medicine and Senior Lecturer, Mr Nabimanya Tanozio, encouraged the incoming leaders to work closely with the administration since they are considered the third arm of governance. He conveyed his superior’s best wishes to the new office bearers.
Mr. Masiga also encouraged medical students to undertake lessons in administrative law to enhance their effectiveness as student leaders. He emphasized critical administrative law principles, such as the presumption of innocence for all accused persons in any criminal proceedings, the need to give accused persons an opportunity to explain themselves, fairness in decision-making, and ensuring that anyone appearing before any tribunal is treated justly.
These principles, he noted, align with Article 42 of Uganda’s Constitution and the Guild Constitution created by the student Parliament of Mbale School of Clinical Officers.
Mr. Masiga, who is also the spokesperson of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, cautioned the new office bearers to uphold these principles, assuring them that doing so would ensure their success. He advised them to be assets to the student body rather than liabilities and discouraged amending the constitution for personal gain or extended tenure.
The new Guild Leadership includes the Guild President, who appoints ministers and presidential advisors, along with the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament, all of whom operate in accordance with the Guild Council Constitution.
The new office bearers will serve for a period of one year, until December 2025.
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