MAK guild aims for the highest

If there is anything to celebrate this women’s day, it is the victory of Anna Adeke Ebaju, the new guild president of Makerere University. Her philosophy in life that states, ‘there is nothing we cannot do if we have faith and what you believe, you attract,’ went a long way in whisking her to the top student leadership of the 90 year old university.

The third year student of a bachelor of law (LLB) at the university presents herself as a serious yet composed student who is ready to take on any challenge. Among the first she is taking on is establishment of a working relationship between the committee of academic affairs and different colleges to address the issue of missing marks, getting the 60% policy of tuition payment outlawed and reinforcing the policy that requires lecturers to submit marks within a month. 

Owing to her leadership background; from being an undisputed three time head girl of Kireka Grammar Junior School to being a treasurer of the Young Christian Society in Our Lady of Good Counsel-Gayaza (OLGCG), it is little wonder that she won.

“I am very proud of my secondary schools- OLGCG and St. Mary’s Kitende which instilled in me values of hard work and it is these values that have gotten me where I am today,” she says.

In future, she wants to pursue a PhD in law and later become a member of parliament. Adeke has earned her place as Makerere University’s fourth female guild president, after Susan Abbo in 2007 and 79^th guild president.

Ukasha Ssekajja the speaker of the Uganda Law Students Society credits her as a kind and friendly person. He however cautions her to be a consultative, listening and lady of action.

“Always remember that leadership is not a position but responsibility,” he says.

Adeke let us into her life during the interview and below are the excerpts:

You competed against six other candidates among them NRM’s Henry Okot Boniface- your closest competitor. What traits made you an outstanding candidate?

Honestly, I was myself and presented myself in the simplest way. The way I articulated my issues and the solutions I had for some of the universities challenges managed to woe many supporters.

Challenges that came your way during the campaigns?

Oh yes… given that I was the only female candidate, there was a lot of violence directed towards me especially from the Democratic Party (DP) and NRM camps. In fact, I was battered. Nevertheless, I still won.

LLB is a very demanding course and as guild, you are definitely going to have a lot on your plate. How are you going to juggle the two?

It is simply a matter of priority and I am going to employ the value of delegation that I value. As a leader, I will have to share my leadership. It is not a one man struggle.

What causes are you going to stand up for during your leadership tenure?

Honesty, equity, fairness and justice. 

In your view, what are our leaders not doing right?

Many of them are egocentric. They put themselves first instead of the people they serve.

What is your take on the marriage and divorce bill that is rigged with controversies currently?

This bill is a radical departure from the divorce act and it will go a long way in closing the gender gap by promoting equality. It emphasizes equality and considers court decisions in recent court cases like Law and advocacy for women vs. Attorney General where the ruling was made to address the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, the right to dignity, the right to equality within marriage and the rights of women.

What was your key turning point while growing up and what made it so?

It was the first graduation we had as a family. My dad, Johnson Ebaju was graduating with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and he kept inspiring me to read and work harder which I have dedicated my life to doing.

Who is your role model and why?

Oh… it is Mother Teresa winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity. She lived a life of sacrifice. She always reminds me that one should always give although he or she does not expect to receive.

Childhood memories:

I remember going to church a lot. At least every Sunday would find us there.

What fun activities do you do during your free time?

I love watching TV, reading novels and jogging. For my work out routine, I walk a lot and sometimes go jogging.

Word of wisdom to ladies who want to become leaders:

Women should look at themselves as competent people because the world is slowly achieving equality. Ladies, let us break the tradition that society has held against women for a long time that we cannot lead. We have the capability.