The race for Students’ Guild President of the International University of East Africa (IUEA) reached a thrilling peak at the Guild Presidential Debate on March 12, 2025. Organised by the IUEA Electoral Commission, a student-led body overseeing the election process, this event was more than just a debate—it was a lesson in leadership, strategy, and governance.
With an expert panel and an enthusiastic lineup of aspirants, the Guild Presidential debate tested each candidate’s vision, resilience, and ability to inspire. More than just a showcase of promises, this was an opportunity for students to assess their future leaders—their policies, their preparedness, and their ability to handle pressure.
For aspiring student leaders, professionals, or anyone interested in leadership, this debate provided valuable lessons on how to build a compelling campaign, engage an audience, and defend one’s vision under scrutiny.
Meet the Candidates
Four candidates, each with a unique leadership philosophy, vied for the presidency alongside their running mates for Vice President:
- Solomon Ibrahim Musa – Vice President: Ilhan Mohammed
- Binamungu Oswald – Vice President: Oketcho Grace
- Ssekidde Husama – Vice President: Diana George Benjamin
- Daniel Mayen – Vice President: Osama Barkhad
Each candidate presented a manifesto designed to tackle student concerns and elevate IUEA’s student leadership development.
What Were Their Visions?
The UK Parliament defines a manifesto as a breakdown of what a party or candidate aims to achieve while in office. It is the backbone of any campaign, defining a leader’s values, priorities, and commitments. Each candidate had limited time to make their case, ensuring their message was clear, compelling, and actionable.
Solomon Ibrahim Musa: A Leader with Experience
With an established track record in the guild, Solomon positioned himself as the candidate who understands student challenges better than anyone. His pitch? Experience matters. He has already solved student issues, knows the system, and is ready to take his leadership to the next level.
Ssekidde Husama: Leadership That Feels Like Home
Husama’s vision was simple but powerful: IUEA should feel like home. He framed leadership as family-oriented governance, built on Action, Accountability, and Transformation. His promise? A leadership style that nurtures a sense of belonging and unity among students.
Daniel Mayen: A Student-Centric Approach to Leadership
Daniel built his manifesto around the acronym MASS:
- Mentorship – Supporting students academically and professionally
- Advocacy – Representing student concerns effectively
- Service Delivery – Ensuring timely responses to student needs
- Security – Prioritising student safety and well-being
His approach emphasised student empowerment, aligning with IUEA’s motto: Learning to Succeed.
Binamungu Oswald: Championing Unity and Transparency
“We are all ordinary people who must achieve extraordinary things.”
– Said Oswald, taking an inspirational approach, beginning with a memorable statement.
His manifesto revolved around three key pillars:
- Inclusivity – Ensuring every student’s voice is heard
- Transparency – Clear communication and honest leadership
- Accountability – A commitment to responsible governance
2025 Guild Presidential Debate: Who was on the Panel?
- Hon Grace Ninsiima.
- Mr Wasike David
- Professor Mugisha David.
- Madam Emily
How the Panel Challenged the Candidates
A strong leader is one who can think on their feet, defend their vision, and adapt under pressure. This year’s panel tested each candidate’s ability to do just that.
Memorable Q&A Moments
Q: How does your manifesto align with IUEA’s motto?
- Daniel Mayen linked his MASS model to IUEA’s “Learning to Succeed” philosophy, emphasising mentorship as a key driver of student success.
Q: What makes you the ideal Guild President?
- “We fight for the success of one another, not the downfall of the other”
– Said Daniel, positioning himself as a leader who empowers rather than dictates
Q: How will you use teamwork to uplift IUEA?
- Solomon Ibrahim Musa highlighted his experience within the guild, acknowledging the value of collaboration, stating, “I can do nothing without her,” referring to his running mate.
Q: How will you promote unity?
- Ssekidde Husama pledged to foster unity through culture, sports, and academics, proposing more events like the Cultural Gala.
Q: Will you take a top-down or bottom-up leadership approach?
- Binamungu Oswald committed to a bottom-up leadership model, promising to hold meetings with student leaders and coordinators within his first two weeks.
Q: How will you support women on campus?
- Oketcho Grace (VP Candidate) introduced an initiative called “Women in Cell”, a peer support group for female students, emphasising inclusivity and empowerment.
The Most Heated Exchange: Candidate vs. Candidate
The most intense segment of the Guild Presidential debate came when candidates were allowed to question each other.
- Solomon Ibrahim Musa was challenged on how he would deliver new solutions, given his prior leadership experience. Was his campaign about progress or continuity?
- Daniel Mayen’s commitment to unity was questioned after claims surfaced that he had struggled to resolve issues affecting South Sudanese students.
The heated back-and-forth showcased the candidates’ preparedness, confidence, and resilience—critical traits for any future leader.
Lessons in Leadership: What Can You Learn?
Whether you’re a student aspiring to run for office or a professional interested in leadership development, this Guild Presidential debate offered key takeaways:
- Make your vision memorable: A simple acronym (MASS) or a powerful quote can make a manifesto stand out.
- Experience can be a double-edged sword: It can build trust but also raise questions about what’s new.
- Inclusivity matters: Initiatives like “Women in Cell” highlight the importance of specific, actionable policies.
- Master the power of words: A strong opening statement or closing remark can leave a lasting impression.
- Know your audience: Just as Husama’s “family leadership” approach resonated with IUEA students, a leader must align their message with their audience’s values.
Why This Debate Was a Success for IUEA
Beyond the excitement and heated exchanges, this debate served as a testament to IUEA’s commitment to grooming future leaders.
At IUEA, we equip students with practical leadership skills, preparing them to make a real impact in their communities and beyond. The Students’ Guild isn’t just a governing body; it’s a training ground for future leaders, policymakers, and changemakers.
With the election results pending, one thing is clear: Each candidate walked away a stronger leader, and every student in attendance gained invaluable insights into leadership, governance, and strategy.
