UNSA Hosts 35th National Students’ Council, Endorses Patron Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as 2025/2026 Presidential Candidate

The Uganda National Students' Association (UNSA), a unifying body representing students in Uganda and abroad, is set to hold its 35th National Students’ Council (NSC) from Sunday, 19th January to Wednesday, 22nd January 2025 at Seeta High School, Mukono. This highly anticipated annual assembly brings together delegates from across the nation to champion better and more student-centered education policies.

His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda and UNSA’s Patron, will grace the event as the Chief Guest, highlighting his steadfast commitment to student welfare and education development.

This year’s theme, “Appreciating Our Stakeholders ,” seeks to recognize key contributors to the progress of Uganda’s education sector, with special appreciation for President Museveni’s fatherly guidance and proactive stance on student issues.

 Electing the 35th National Executive Council

A significant highlight of the four-day council will be the election of the 35th National Executive Council (NEC), which will steer UNSA’s leadership and activities in the coming year. Delegates eligible to vote include:

District Executive Council Representatives – comprising the Chairperson, Speaker, Female Affairs representative, and a Student with Disability (4 delegates per district). Guild Leaders from Universities and Tertiary Institutions – including the Guild President, Guild Speaker, Female Affairs representative, and a Student with Disability (4 delegates per institution). Nominations for NEC positions were concluded following a vetting session on 8th January 2025. Candidates who fulfilled the requirements set forth by the UNSA Constitution (as amended in 2022) are now free to campaign ahead of the elections.

Launch of the “Our Patron – Our Candidate” Campaign

In a groundbreaking initiative, UNSA will launch the “Our Patron – Our Candidate” Campaign, officially endorsing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the students’ preferred presidential candidate in the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections. This endorsement signifies the unwavering support of Uganda’s students for their Patron, whom they regard as a champion of education reforms and student empowerment.

Waswa Christopher, the UNSA National Speaker, emphasized the importance of this endorsement, stating, “Like a child to a parent, the students of Uganda have decided to stand by their Patron, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the 2025/2026 General Elections.”

The campaign reflects UNSA’s gratitude for the President’s consistent efforts in addressing student challenges, including education funding, policy formulation, and fostering an environment conducive to learning and innovation.

UNSA has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to President Museveni for accepting the invitation to address the National Students’ Council. During his keynote speech, the President is expected to reflect on his journey as a Patron, discuss the state of education in Uganda, and outline his vision for further empowering students.

In addition to receiving the students’ endorsement, the President’s address will underscore his long-standing relationship with UNSA, showcasing his dedication to nurturing the future leaders of Uganda.

The National Students’ Council serves as a platform for dialogue, policy-making, and leadership development. It unites students from diverse backgrounds to deliberate on pressing issues affecting Uganda’s education sector and chart a collective way forward.

This year’s council not only symbolizes the continuity of UNSA’s vision but also reinforces the association’s role as a vital stakeholder in Uganda’s education and governance landscape.

 As UNSA gears up for this landmark event, the spirit of unity and purpose resonates strongly among its members. With the endorsement of President Museveni as their candidate of choice, students reaffirm their belief in his leadership and commitment to shaping a brighter future for Uganda’s education sector.

The 35th National Students’ Council promises to be a historic gathering, cementing UNSA’s legacy as a transformative force in the lives of students across Uganda.