By Nathan Eyagu

Mbale City - New Vision journalist and UMCAT Soroti Campus Guild President Alfred Atwau has been crowned Mr UMCAT 2026/2027, earning the title after emerging as the winner at the institution’s Intercultural Gala in Mbale.

The gala, held at UMCAT Mbale Campus, brought together students from the institution’s five campuses in Mbale, Soroti, Gulu, Arua and Kampala for a celebration of culture, talent, interaction and unity.

Atwau’s victory gives him a broader student leadership platform beyond his responsibilities as Guild President of UMCAT Soroti Campus, with the new title expected to see him represent and engage students across the institution.

The annual Intercultural Gala is aimed at strengthening relationships among students from different campuses while providing an opportunity for them to showcase their cultural diversity and talents.

Atwau said he entered the Mr UMCAT contest with the goal of promoting unity and stronger interaction among students across the five campuses.

“I entered the race because I believe UMCAT needs a voice and a platform that can bring students from all five campuses together. We may study from different locations, but we remain one UMCAT family,” he said.

He said his victory was not simply a personal achievement, but an opportunity to serve and champion initiatives that benefit students across UMCAT.

“Being Guild President has given me the opportunity to serve students at Soroti Campus, but Mr UMCAT gives me an even wider platform to represent the entire UMCAT community. I intend to use this opportunity to promote unity, talent and development among our students,” Atwau said.

He called for increased interaction among students from the five campuses, saying students should embrace their diversity while working towards common goals.

Atwau said his experience in journalism and student leadership would help him communicate students’ concerns and mobilise them around initiatives aimed at improving their experience at the institution.

“For years, UMCAT has been looking for a brain that can help bring students together. That is part of what inspired me to join this race. I want to see students identify themselves first as UMCAT students before identifying themselves by campus,” he said.

Atwau will work alongside Sylvia Nantabi from UMCAT Kampala Campus, who was crowned Miss UMCAT 2026/2027.

The two are expected to participate in activities aimed at promoting student engagement, unity, talent development and interaction across the five UMCAT campuses.

Atwau said he would work with Nantabi and other student leaders to ensure the titles translate into meaningful programmes for the student community.

“We have been given a responsibility, not just crowns. We have a duty to represent our fellow students and make these positions meaningful through service, unity and development,” he said.

He urged students across the institution to embrace teamwork and use their diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.

“This crown belongs to all UMCAT students. My commitment is to serve, unite and create a stronger UMCAT where every student feels part of the same family,” Atwau said.