As Kampala International University (KIU) celebrates its 25th anniversary of academic excellence and transformation, a fresh chapter of leadership unfolds with the election of Aineplani Major as Guild President for the 2025–26 academic year.

Aineplani, a Bachelor of Laws student at the KIU Main Campus, steps into leadership with a powerful combination of experience, conviction and vision that echoes the jubilee’s spirit.

“I feel like I’ve been handed a torch lit by the sacrifices and dreams of thousands, with the mandate to carry it forward with honor,” he says.

Aineplani brings with him a strong leadership record. He previously served as Prime Minister of the KIU Kigezi Students Association (2024–25), president of the Africa Kwetu Student Association KIU Chapter, member of the organization's National Executive Committee, and coordinator of the KIU Debate Union. He is also a published author, known for A New Uganda and The Winds of Change.

His decision to run for Guild President was deeply personal and spiritually grounded.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms,” he says, quoting 1 Peter 4:10.

To Aineplani, leadership is not about self-glory but stewardship, a sacred responsibility to inspire change and serve inclusively and authentically.

Leading Through a Historic Milestone

Being elected Guild President during KIU’s silver jubilee is a moment Aineplani calls both “humbling and historic.” More than just a celebration of the past, he sees the 25th anniversary as a springboard for institutional renewal.

“I am committed to leading with clarity, vision and energy into the next chapter of KIU’s journey,” he assures.

A Vision for Transformation

Aineplani’s presidency is rooted in three central pillars: student welfare, academic excellence and inclusivity.

Student Welfare: He plans to expand mental health services, improve hostel conditions, increase awareness of financial aid, and promote campus safety.

Academic Excellence: His agenda includes modernizing learning facilities, boosting academic resources, creating peer mentorship networks, and establishing fair mechanisms for grievance redress.

Inclusivity: He is committed to amplifying the voices of all students, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, feels represented and valued.

To realize these goals, he intends to establish student-led committees, conduct quarterly town halls, strengthen student-administration dialogue and launch signature initiatives such as welfare drives, academic clinics and diversity festivals.

Bridging Students and Administration

Aineplani believes effective leadership requires a blend of advocacy and diplomacy. His approach favors evidence-based solutions, co-created with students and administrators alike.

“I am committed to building open, respectful and principled partnerships with the university administration,” he says.

A Jubilee as a Catalyst for the Future

For Aineplani, the silver jubilee represents more than just reflection. Citing Galatians 6:9, he emphasizes perseverance and unity as keys to future success.

“As a leader, I am motivated to lead with authenticity and vision, so that when history remembers KIU’s 25th anniversary, it will also remember the era of transformation we initiated,” he says.

He plans to involve students across all faculties in the celebrations under the theme “KIU @ 25: Our Story, Our Future.” Events will include symposiums, talent shows, debates, cultural nights and anniversary volunteer committees.

Building on the Past, Shaping the Future

Reflecting on the achievements of past Guild Presidents, Aineplani highlights lessons in consistency, courage and communication. He aims to institutionalize transparent governance, shift from personality-based to structure-based leadership and promote equitable representation.

His strategic focus includes:

• Welfare: Expansion of mental health support, improved hostel oversight and advocacy for affordable student health insurance.
• Academics: Launching Academic Excellence Clinics, hosting guest lectures and securing internship partnerships.
• Extracurriculars: Strengthening sports leagues, organizing cultural festivals and promoting leadership and public speaking workshops.

“All initiatives will be student-led, data-driven and continuously assessed for effectiveness” Aineplani says.

 Aineplani Urges Students to Embrace Unity and Action

In his message to students, Aineplani urges unity and resilience as the university charts its course for the next quarter-century.

“The road ahead is ours to walk and shape. Our collective resilience and innovation will define the next 25 years of KIU,” he says.

Quoting Maya Angelou, he concluded, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Aineplani has taken over from Yvonne Kainembabazi KIU Main Campus' second female Guild President after Comfort Ndagire to become the new Guild President.

We wish him great success as he begins his one-year term in office.