“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” This ancient wisdom, attributed to the Chinese philosopher Laozi, captures the essence of leadership, service, and the profound journey I have only just begun. The first step for me was accepting the mantle of Prime Minister for the academic year 2025/26, an honour that fills my heart with great enthusiasm and ecstasy. To serve this mighty “city in the forest” our beloved MOK community is both a privilege and a serious commitment to upholding the standards set by those who came before me.
The role I inherit is not a light one. I am stepping into the shoes of a hardworking cabinet, individuals whose dedication and service have left an indelible mark on our school’s operations and culture. This transition is less about replacing them and more about building upon their substantial legacy. I view the challenge ahead as a crucial test—a rigorous learning experience designed to teach me how to withstand struggles, navigate complexity, and ultimately, leave a better legacy for the next generation of leaders. The bar has been set high, and my mission is to elevate it further, ensuring that our school continues to thrive as a beacon of excellence and community spirit.
Leadership, as I understand it, begins with a commitment to inspiration. My primary vow to my fellow students and student leaders is to be a catalyst for their own potential. I aim to inspire every student not just to follow rules or attend classes, but to build up their self esteem, discover their unique voices, and embrace the qualities that will enable them to become great leaders in their own right. We are all capable of more than we imagine. Through various initiatives and by leading through example, I hope to foster an environment where every student feels empowered to take their first step on their own journey of a thousand miles.
I assure you all that my journey of service and leadership will not cease here at MOK. This institution is a vital training ground, a foundational chapter in a much larger narrative. The skills, ethics, and resilience I develop here are portable; they are the tools I will carry forward. Whether in future educational institutions, professional environments, or civic society, I intend for my journey to continue. I strongly believe in the mantra, “True mentorship lies within ourselves.” While we learn immensely from others, the ultimate responsibility for growth, integrity, and self-improvement rests within our own hearts and minds. This internal compass is what I will rely upon as I navigate the paths ahead.
It is impossible to embark on this journey without acknowledging the village that raised me. The support system at MOK has been phenomenal. The caring administration deserves my deepest gratitude for the enormous prefectorial facilitation, inspiration, and consistent upbringing they have provided. Their belief in my potential has been the wind beneath my wings. I express my thanks in the many languages that echo through our diverse community: Eyalama Noi, Afoyo Matek, Akuna Ngeni, Twabashimire, Asante sana.
As Kizza Brian Ssekyanzi, your Prime Minister for 2025/26, I accept my role with a philosophy encapsulated in the simple yet profound title: “A leader, a wounded healer.” This means acknowledging imperfections, learning from setbacks, and using those experiences to foster healing, understanding, and progress within our community.
The journey has begun. With every step, we build our future, together.