Sweeping the Polls
Action in Africa Students Take Over Riverside High School's Top Leadership Roles
There is a saying that leadership isn't just about a title; it's about impact. But when your students win nearly every top leadership position in a single election, it's hard not to shout it from the rooftops.
We are absolutely thrilled to share monumental news from the recent Term Two prefectorial elections at Riverside High School, Mbazi. Thanks to their hard work and active participation in our Public Speaking, Debate, and Leadership sessions at the Action in Africa Center, our students didn't just compete, they swept the polls.
The Action in Africa family will be heavily represented in the school's top governance. Please join us in congratulating our outstanding students on their new roles:
Head Prefect: Ssali Ibrahim (S.5)
Head Girl: Naluwagga Brenda (S.5)
Head Boy: Mutumba Keron (S.5)
Speaker: Kibirige Sebastian (S.5)
Assistant Head Boy: Ssentamu Ubayidi (S.3)
Welfare Prefect: Ssali Shafik (S.3)
Disciplinary Prefect: Baziliyo Fredrick (S.3)
Information Prefect: Lwanga Hussein (S.1)
Success like this doesn't happen by accident. For years, these students have been sharpening their skills in our public speaking, leadership, and debate programs. They have learned how to command a room, articulate a vision, debate under pressure, and listen to the needs of their peers. Seeing younger leaders like Lwanga Hussein in S.1 step into a role like Information Prefect, alongside seasoned student leaders such as Ssentamu Ubayidi in S.3 taking on major responsibilities, proves that leadership has no age.
What Our Leaders Had to Say
Mutumba Keron, Head Boy
I was elected because the students know me as a humble, supportive, and approachable person. From day one, I have been there to help solve their problems, and they trusted me because of my actions long before I became a leader. Many students face challenges they feel they cannot voice to the administration, but this is the right time to step up, make their voices heard, and take action.
To balance my books and leadership responsibilities, I am implementing a strict, well-planned schedule. After all, leadership isn’t about being the best; it’s about making others better.
I owe so much of this mindset to the mentorship sessions at Action in Africa. They built my foundation and inspired me to look up to prominent leaders like the former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. The debate training by Cohens and the public speaking sessions at the Center truly built my confidence. Above all, I am deeply grateful for the vital scholarship slot I received; without it, accessing these opportunities would have been impossible. Thank you, Action in Africa.
Naluwagga Brenda, Head Girl
I am thrilled to announce that I was elected as the new Head Girl. This landslide victory was built on a foundation of integrity, purposeful action, and a visionary manifesto that truly resonated with my peers.
I am incredibly eager to mentor my fellow students and leave a lasting legacy.
A massive thank you to Action in Africa. My preparation began there; the debate, public speaking, and leadership training provided the exact tools I needed to achieve this win. Thank you, AIA, for these life-changing programs.
Ssali Ibrahim, Head Prefect
I stepped into the role of Head Prefect by demonstrating capability, potential, and unwavering determination. My priority is to restore respect for student leadership and build a highly functional, visible cabinet. Unlike past administrations, where students constantly asked who the Head Prefect or Head Girl was, my team will be active and present.
My main goal is to reduce the rampant suspensions and expulsions in our school. Chasing a student away can often mean burying their future. I promise to serve as a strong and reliable bridge between the administration and the student body, ensuring we pursue dialogue before drastic measures are taken. I want to be remembered for leaving a lasting, positive impact.
To my fellow students: I encourage you to step into leadership. Leaders are not born; they are made. I am living proof of that, having been nurtured through Action in Africa's holiday leadership sessions, debate programs, and public speaking training. I am deeply grateful to AIA for this foundation. I would not be in this leadership role without their mentorship and support.
Our Public Speaking, Leadership, and Debate programs are designed to build confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking. Seeing these students earn the trust of their peers and rise to leadership at Riverside High School is a powerful validation of our efforts to nurture future changemakers.
To the entire leadership team: your family at AIA is incredibly proud of you. You have shown what is possible when preparation meets opportunity. We have no doubt that you will lead Riverside High School with integrity, empathy, and excellence. We look forward to watching your impact unfold and will continue cheering you on every step of the way.
