Gulu University Guild Leaders Urged to Embrace Growth, Collaboration and Global Connectivity

The university secretary Mr. David Obol Otori, on 10th -Nov-2024, advised student leaders to embrace growth, collaboration, global connectivity and build networks beyond their immediate circles.
“These opportunities are for you to brand yourselves for the wider world,” he said.
He said this while speaking to student leaders during the 24th guild handover ceremony which took place at the university boardroom.
The University Secretary who represented the Vice Chancellor highlighted the significance of the handover ceremony, describing it as a bridge between generations of leaders. He reminded the students that leadership extends beyond titles and influences in all sectors of life.
A leader, he said, must be aware of their environment, knowledgeable, and ready to respond to public concerns. He emphasized that student leadership is a critical training ground for greater responsibilities in the future.

A group photo of the guild cabinet together with administration.
The ceremony brought together outgoing, incoming student leaders, administrators, and previous leaders to celebrate leadership, service, and transition. The event marked the official handover from the 23nd Guild Government to the 24th led by His Excellency Opio Alex Ongom.

The 23rd guild president handing over to the 24th guild president.
In his remarks, Opio Alex Ongom reflected on his journey of leadership, emphasizing the importance of learning and unlearning as key tools for personal growth. He noted that leaders must continuously build better character to effectively serve their communities. He also stressed the value of collaborating closely with the university administration, saying it helps leaders understand student needs and represent the institution more meaningfully. Lastly Okot encouraged the creation of more opportunities for leaders to broaden their knowledge through national and international exposure.
Pamela Peace Okwir, the Deputy Dean of Students commended the contributions of the 22nd and 23rd guild officials, describing the ceremony as the beginning of many more achievements for the student community. She called for peace and cooperation between students and administrators and advised the incoming 24th Guild Office to learn from previous leadership experiences to make informed, transformative decisions.