The Uganda Management Institute (UMI) has ushered in a new era of student leadership following the election of Akampwera Betonda Aggrey as Guild President for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Akampwera, who was elected on 8th November 2025, expressed deep gratitude to the student community for the trust and confidence placed in him. In his remarks after being sworn in, he pledged to champion transparency, unity, and service-oriented leadership, guided by the values that define UMI’s mission of developing effective managers and leaders for Africa.
“I am humbled by the confidence the students have placed in me,” Akampwera said. “Our leadership will be about inclusion, accountability, and ensuring that every student feels represented and supported. Together, we can build a stronger UMI that empowers everyone to thrive academically and socially.”
Shortly after taking office, President Akampwera appointed 11 ministers to the Guild Cabinet, each entrusted with specific portfolios aimed at enhancing student welfare, innovation, and institutional engagement. The new team, he noted, represents a diverse cross-section of the student body and will work collectively to deliver on the promises made during the campaign.
“Our Cabinet will operate as a team of service-minded leaders,” he explained. “We are here to listen, collaborate, and act — to transform our vision into tangible outcomes that improve the student experience.”
Among his priorities for the new term are strengthening communication between the student leadership and administration, promoting student-driven initiatives, and ensuring that every UMI learner — whether on-campus or in regional study centers — has a voice in shaping the Guild’s agenda.
Akampwera’s election comes at a time when student governance across institutions of higher learning in Uganda is being called upon to focus on integrity, innovation, and inclusive participation. His leadership approach emphasizes the need for collaboration rather than competition, uniting students from different backgrounds toward shared goals.
In a message to his fellow students, Akampwera urged collective effort and optimism:
“Leadership is not about titles but about service. I invite every student to be part of this journey — through ideas, engagement, and action. The Guild belongs to all of us.”
The newly inaugurated Guild President also acknowledged the outgoing leadership for their contributions and affirmed his commitment to build upon their achievements while introducing fresh perspectives aligned with the evolving needs of the student community.
As the new academic year unfolds, expectations are high that the Akampwera-led Guild will steer UMI toward greater student involvement, transparency in governance, and unity across all programs and campuses.
