By Mike Rwothomio

Nebbi, Uganda – The Greater Nebbi University Students Development Association (NUSDA) has announced a comprehensive school outreach program scheduled for June 9-18, 2025, aimed at empowering secondary school students in Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo districts with career guidance, mentorship, and strategies to combat drug abuse.

The initiative, themed "Unlocking Potential, Shaping Purpose," targets over 15 schools to enhance educational outcomes and foster transformative leadership.

NUSDA, an umbrella organization uniting student associations from universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda and abroad, was established in 2005. Operating under the guidance of the District Education Officers (DEOs), the association seeks to address critical educational challenges in rural areas, including limited access to resources, financial constraints, and inadequate career guidance.

According to NUSDA President Billy Kwoyelo, the program reflects the association’s commitment to giving back to the community that shaped its members.

“As natives of Greater Nebbi, we recognize the academic and life struggles students face. Our experiences guide us to mentor and inspire the next generation to pursue their education with purpose and make informed career choices,” Kwoyelo told this Publication.

The mentorship program, conducted annually in collaboration with the DEO’s office, will feature motivational talks by professionals and university students, interactive activities to build leadership and communication skills, and group mentorship sessions tailored to students’ interests.

Key focus areas include career guidance, scholarship opportunities, sex education, HIV/AIDS awareness, transformative leadership, life skills, financial literacy, and tackling drug use and abuse.

The initiative aims to inspire students in Senior 1 to Senior 6 (ages 13-23) to pursue education with determination, explore diverse career pathways, nurture their talents, and develop values of resilience and self-belief.

The program will cover schools such as Panyango S.S., Ogenda Girls S.S., Excel College Pakwach, Nam High School, Martyrs College Pakwach, Pakwach S.S., Paroketo S.S., Panyimur S.S., and Alwi Seed in Pakwach; and other institutions in Nebbi and Zombo districts.

The initiative is expected to increase student motivation, enhance awareness of education’s value, foster positive attitudes, and strengthen community-school partnerships.

By addressing issues like drug abuse and providing career clarity, NUSDA aims to empower students to achieve long-term academic and personal success.

The program is supported by the DEOs of Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo, local government, head teachers, NUSDA’s daughter associations, alumni, and well-wishers.

Notable daughter associations include the Nebbi Makerere Students’ Association (NEMSA), Alur Kyambogo Students’ Association (AKUSA), and Alur Gulu University Students’ Association (ALGUSA), among others.

Quoting Rev. Fr. Raphael Okumu, “It all starts with the mindset,” Kwoyelo emphasized the program’s goal to influence students’ perspectives and inspire intellectual change. “We aim to bridge the gap for talented and ambitious students who lack exposure to information and mentorship, offering them direction and hope for a brighter future,” he added.

The school visits, scheduled between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, will allocate at least one hour per school.

NUSDA plans to sustain this mentorship program annually, continuing its legacy of community-driven educational transformation in Greater Nebbi.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa