Nakalema Urges Makerere University Guild Leaders to Lead with Purpose

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has urged Makerere University student leaders to embrace proactive leadership and collaborate with the government to advance higher education.

During a meeting at SHIPU offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema commended the Guild leadership for championing the interests of students and upholding democratic values. “We are delighted to see young leaders advocating for increased access to education and engaging constructively with the administration,” she said.

She cautioned students against over-reliance on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. “AI and ChatGPT are diverting you by making them think for the human race. You are much better than that technology. Use AI as a tool, but let your ideas take the lead,” she advised.

Col. Nakalema encouraged the Guild leaders to focus on finding solutions to challenges affecting students and the country. “Write proposals, but also come up with practical solutions. As hardworking students and leaders, we expect a lot from you,” she said.

She also highlighted SHIPU’s Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, which streamlines investment processes by offering guidance, handling investor inquiries, and ensuring follow-ups on reported issues.

Makerere University Guild President, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, thanked Col. Nakalema for accepting the Vice Chancellor’s invitation to meet with the student leaders. He credited his administration for promoting dialogue over unrest. “We thought that things should be done differently, that’s why we introduced the MUK public dialogue,” he said.

Nsamba also invited Col. Nakalema to the upcoming 90th anniversary celebrations of the Students’ Guild, where outstanding students, alumni, and retiring staff will be recognized.

Former Attorney General, Fred Ruhindi, praised Nsamba’s leadership for fostering constructive engagement between students and the administration. “Mr. Nsamba’s leadership finds solutions for students rather than being part of the problem,” he said.

Makerere University Minister of Information, Research, and Computer Technology, Emojong Kisaija, commended Col. Nakalema for her commitment to public service. He urged stakeholders to educate youth on the benefits of AI to ensure they harness its potential for Uganda’s development.