BY ECUNGU GEORGE WILLIAM
KAMPALA - The National Coordinator for Teso Students Development Association (TESDA), Michel Esenyu, has announced that the recently amended TESDA constitution will come into effect on April 27, 2024.
Esenyu made this announcement during the handover ceremony of Kampala International University TESDA, held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Casablanca Gardens in Kasanga, a suburb of Kampala.
TESDA, established by Iteso students in the early 2000s, aims to foster cultural unity and preserve Iteso culture and norms among Iteso students in various higher education institutions.
According to Mr. Esenyu, the amended constitution, ratified on December 31, 2023, during the Annual General Meeting at St. Kizito Technical Institute in Soroti City, reflects the need for an up-to-date constitution.
Mr. Esenyu revealed to Teso Vibez that the newly amended TESDA constitution includes an updated structure, with the National Executive Committee serving as the highest organ, comprising nine members.
Other organs established by the amended constitution include the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which convenes yearly to assess the association's progress and plan future initiatives, and the Board of Trustees, consisting of five members. Additionally, an Electoral Commission, comprising five commissioners, has been established.
TESDA's 102 member institutions are organized into regions such as the Central Region, Busoga Region, Bukedde Region, Mother Teso Region, and Northern Region. Each region has branches, each consisting of twelve executive members.
The association also plans to launch the Western Region to extend its reach to Iteso students studying in universities in Western Uganda.
Among TESDA's projects is the Mentorship College, aimed at equipping youth with leadership and entrepreneurship skills. The National Coordinator emphasized the importance of all universities with TESDA branches embracing this program.
Commenting on the amended constitution, Mr. Oteger Alfred, a former national chairperson of TESDA, stated that the amendments would enhance the welfare of Teso youth studying in various universities.
He further urged the current National Executive Committee to expand the association's ideologies to other countries where Iteso communities reside.
