By Mike Rwothomio

The Greater Nebbi University Students Development Association (NUSDA) officially launched its 2025 School Mentorship Program on Sunday, June 8, at Nebbi Catholic Cathedral, with a vibrant mass animated by NUSDA members.

The initiative, themed “Unlocking Potential, Shaping Purpose,” targets over 15 secondary schools across Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo districts, aiming to enhance educational outcomes through career guidance, mentorship, and strategies to combat drug abuse.

The program, flagged off by District Education Officers (DEOs) on Tuesday, June 10, reflects NUSDA’s commitment to fostering transformative leadership and academic excellence.

The main celebrant at the launch commended the university students for setting a positive example for younger learners, blessing the initiative for its potential to drive community change.

Program Highlights and Implementation

NUSDA President Billy Kwoyelo emphasized the association’s dedication to giving back to the community that shaped its members.

“As natives of Greater Nebbi, we understand the academic and life challenges students face. This program mentors and inspires the next generation to pursue education with purpose and make informed career choices,” Kwoyelo stated.

The mentorship sessions, running from June 9 to June 18, cover key areas such as career guidance, scholarship opportunities, sex education, HIV/AIDS awareness, transformative leadership, life skills, financial literacy, and drug abuse prevention.

Targeted at Senior 1 to Senior 6 students (ages 13-23), the initiative employs motivational talks by professionals and university students, interactive activities to build leadership and communication skills, and tailored group mentorship sessions.

Nebbi’s DEO praised the program, urging NUSDA to motivate students to remain in school and promising additional district support for the cause.

Nebbi teams visited eight schools on Tuesday and Wednesday, including Nebbi Progressive, St. Daniel Comboni’s College Omyer, Mamba Secondary School, Uringi S.S., Erusi S.S., Erusi Parents, Angal S.S., and Max Foundation Achana.

Zombo teams covered Warr Girls S.S., Aluka S.S., Pakadha Seed, St. Peter’s College, Atyak Seed, and St. Aloysius College Nyapea.

Pakwach teams began on Wednesday, engaging students at Nam High, Martyrs College Pakwach, and Paroketo S.S., with visits ongoing.

“In all sessions, we encourage students to stay focused on academics, maintain discipline, pray, seek support when facing challenges, and hold onto hope,” Kwoyelo noted.

The program will conclude with a community market cleanup on Saturday, June 14, and a friendly football match against Pakwach Super Eagles on Sunday, June 15.

Impact and Support

Established in 2005, NUSDA unites student associations from universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda and abroad, operating under the guidance of the DEOs of Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo.

The initiative is supported by local government, head teachers, NUSDA’s daughter associations such as the Nebbi Makerere Students’ Association (NEMSA), Alur Kyambogo Students’ Association (AKUSA), and Alur Gulu University Students’ Association (ALGUSA)—alumni, and well-wishers.

The program aims to boost student motivation, raise awareness of education’s value, foster positive attitudes, and strengthen community-school partnerships.

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

Looking Ahead

Conducted annually, the NUSDA Mentorship Program allocates at least one hour per school, running daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The association plans to sustain this initiative to continue its legacy of community-driven educational transformation in Greater Nebbi.

NUSDA extends its gratitude to the DEOs of Nebbi, Zombo, and Pakwach, as well as district leaders, for their unwavering support in making this program a reality.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa