Campus Quad Magazine.
CLASS REP MAGAZINE.
Inside Campus Leadership
Meet Mukisa Samuel
Software Engineering Class Rep Year 2
Class Rep Magazine — Campus Quad Magazine
Inside Campus Leadership: A Conversation with Mukisa Samuel Makerere University
In this edition of Class Rep Magazine, we sit down with Mukisa Samuel, a Software Engineering class representative Year 2, to explore the realities of student leadership, the challenges, and what keeps him going.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
Mukisa Samuel:
I am Mukisa Samuel, the class representative for Software Engineering at BIATOM.
Q: How did you become a class rep?
Mukisa Samuel:
I was elected by my classmates.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a class rep?
Mukisa Samuel:
One time I forgot to inform my classmates about a lecture. The lecturer came in, but no one was present. That was a tough moment for me.
Q: What system keeps you on track with deadlines and responsibilities? How do you support your classmates academically?
Mukisa Samuel:
I try to balance both academics and my responsibilities as a class rep. I make sure I have all the lecturers’ contacts so I can confirm schedules in time. I also work closely with my co-representatives—both male and female—so we stay coordinated and effective.
Q: Do you feel appreciated by your classmates?
Mukisa Samuel:
Yes, I do feel appreciated by my colleagues. However, I think the university administration could do more to recognize our efforts.
Q: What common tasks do you find yourself doing daily?
Mukisa Samuel:
Creating and managing discussion groups over and over again—it’s a constant part of the role.
Q: Given that this is an unpaid role, what keeps you motivated? Have you ever thought of stepping down?
Mukisa Samuel:
I genuinely love people. I enjoy interacting, communicating, and helping others. That’s what keeps me going, even without pay.
Q: What do you do for fun outside class?
Mukisa Samuel:
I play games, swim, and spend time talking with friends and colleagues.
Q: How has being a class rep changed you?
Mukisa Samuel:
It has helped me learn how to communicate with older people, especially lecturers. I’ve grown in how I interact with people across different age groups.
Q: If you weren’t a class rep, would you still be involved in student leadership?
Mukisa Samuel:
Not really. I’m somewhere between introverted and extroverted, so I probably wouldn’t have taken up a leadership role.
Q: How do you handle difficult classmates—especially those who don’t contribute but expect help?
Mukisa Samuel:
It comes down to leadership skills. When you have strong leadership abilities, it becomes easier to manage different types of people.
Q: What would you like to change about how class reps are recognized?
Mukisa Samuel:
There should definitely be more support from the university. Even simple things like allowances or providing lunch would go a long way in appreciating the work we do.
Closing Note
Mukisa Samuel’s story highlights the often-overlooked role of class representatives—students who bridge communication gaps, support their peers, and keep academic life organized. While the role comes with challenges and little formal recognition, it remains a powerful platform for personal growth and leadership.