THE CONSTITUTION

OF

THE 
AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM (AYLF)

ARRANGEMENT OF ARTICLES:
PREAMBLE								
OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSTITUTION				
CHAPTER ONE
THE AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM CONSTITUTION
1.	Supremacy of the Constitution
2.	Defence of the Constitution
3.	Promotion of public awareness	

CHAPTER TWO
THE FORUM
4.	Composition of the Forum
5.	Attainment of Membership of the Forum.	
6.	Oversight of the Forum.	

CHAPTER THREE
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF FUNDAMENTAL AND OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
7. Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.	
8. Inherence of Fundamental Rights.  	
9. Equality of Members.		
10. Right to a Fair Hearing.	
11. Affirmative Action in favour of Marginalized groups.	
12. Minorities’ Right to participation in Decision-making.	
13. Conferment of Rights and Freedoms.	
14. Applications in case of infringement of Rights or Freedom.
15. Appeals from the Chief Coordinator’s Decision. 	

CHAPTER FOUR
GENENRAL ASSEMBLY                           	
16. Establishment of the General Assembly.	
17. Composition of the General Assembly.	
18. Functions of the General Assembly.	
19. Procedure of the General Assembly.	
20. Powers of the General Assembly to make Law.
21. Dissolution of the General Assembly.
CHAPTER FIVE
      22. Establishment of the Office of the Chief Coordinator	
23. Fountain of Power and hierarchy.	
      24. Chief Coordinator to subscribe to the Oath.
      25. Chief Coordinator to execute and maintain this Constitution.	
      26. Duty of Chief Coordinator to abide by the Constitution.
       	
CHAPTER SIX	
FINANCE	
      27. Sources of funds for the MUK; Africa Youth Leadership Forum Chapter.	
      28. Determination of the appropriate Forum subscription and other fees
      29. Forum Account
      30. Control of Revenue
      31. Financial Report to be published 

CHAPTER SEVEN
AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION	                                                                    
32. The constitution to be amended by a resolution.	
      33. Procedure for amendment.	

CHAPTER EIGHT
SCHEDULE:	
FIRST SCHEDULE - OATHS	
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE	
CHIEF COORDINATOR / ASSISTANT COORDINATOR’S OATH
MEMBERS ALLEGIENCE TO THE CONSTITUTION
THE OUTGOING CHIEF COORDINATOR’S-HANDOVER OATH	
CHAPTER NINE
INTERPRETATIONS OF KEYWORDS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

THE CONSTITUTION OF AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM/MOVEMENT 
CHAPTER

THE PREAMBLE:

WE THE MEMBERS OF AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM/MOVEMENT - CHAPTER;
Recalling the background and Vision of our Forum and University, based on Jesus’ values, character qualities and leadership principles;
Recognizing our struggles against forces of negative ethnicity, religious divides, stereotyping, and labelling people, poverty, disease, injustice and marginalisation;
Committed to operate within the Makerere University Guild Constitution/students’ union based on the principle of unity, cooperation, peace, equality, democracy, freedom, social justice and progress;
Seeking to promote the General Welfare of all the students of MUK Uganda;
Acting pursuant and following University Guild/ Students’ Union Constitution, as amended, which Constitution is the supreme law of the Student Guild/Union.
Do hereby, in and through this constitution solemnly adopt, enact and give to our prosperity, this Africa Youth Leadership Forum Constitution of this ________day of _________________, in the year 2020.

OBJECTIVES OF THE AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM/MOVEMENT - CHAPTER:
•	To promote Servant leadership for MUK, Uganda and Africa.

•	To identify the principles and emulate the Leadership qualities of Jesus Christ.

•	To foster solidarity and unity among Africa youth leadership across nations.

•	To highlight and emulate successful African and world leaders

•	To engage in activities that will foster socio-political and economic development of Africa

•	To facilitate learning and sharing on common interest such as integrity, reconciliation, humility, Love etc. 
•	To provide a forum where young leaders are mentored by current leadership and other leaders who have left active public leadership.
•	To encourage and promote worthy traditions of academic, professional, social, spiritual and moral life in the (movement)Association, University at large and beyond;
•	To establish cooperation with other recognized student bodies and persons within, and outside of Uganda;
•	To enhance and protect the establishment of this constitution on aspiration of Jesus’ morals and values by all students therein; and

CHAPTER ONE
THE AFRICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM CONSTITUTION – MUK-CHAPTER	
1.	Supremacy of the Constitution.
(1)	This Constitution shall be, under the legal authority of the (greater AYLF values), Guild Constitution, the supreme law of Students’ Guild and shall have abiding force on all authorities and persons under the Africa Youth Leadership Forum chapter.
(2)	If any other instrument or custom not belonging to the Africa Youth Leadership Forum/movement is inconsistent with this Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail.
2.	Defence of the Constitution.
(1)	It is prohibited for any persons or group of persons to take or retain control of this Forum except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and the greater values of AYLF movement.
(2)	Any person, who, singly or in concert with others, by violent or any other unlawful means, suspends, overthrows, abrogates or amends this Constitution or any part of it shall be liable to disciplinary action as provided in this Constitution and the greater values of the AYLF movement. 
3.	Promotion of public awareness.
(1)	All Members of this Forum shall at all times uphold the supremacy of the Constitution.
(2)	 Copies of this Constitution shall be made available to promote public awareness of this Constitution.

CHAPTER TWO
THE FORUM
4.	Composition of the Africa Youth Leadership Forum.
The Forum shall comprise full Members, associates and honorary members.
5.	Attainment of Membership of the Forum.
(1)	A person shall be a member of this Forum when that person:
(a)	 Is registered by the University; or was registered in the immediately preceding semester, has not graduated, and whose course of study is in recess, (ii) actively participating in the Student leadership (ii) had showed consistent commitment to the greater values and principles of the AYLF movement.
(b)	Has been regarded as an opinion leader or showed significant contribution and interest to leadership at the University. 
(c)	Was elected by the coordinator (s) in consultation with the Country Forum Coordination office to be an honorary member or associate member of the Forum.
(2)	The appropriate contribution fees for this Association and activities shall be set by the coordinator (s) in consultation with the AYLF Regional and Country Coordination office.

6.	Oversight of the Association.
The primary person / officer overseeing this forum shall be the Patron to this forum who shall be appointed by the coordinators in consultation with the AYLF Regional and Country Coordination office.

CHAPTER THREE
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF FUNDAMENTAL AND OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOM
7.	Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
(1)	Every member of this forum shall have the right to:
a)	Freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of press and other media;
b)	Freedom of thought, conscience and belief;
c)	To participate in all the forum activities;
d)	Live in a good environment.
.   
8.	Inherence of Fundamental Rights.  
(1)	Fundamental rights and freedoms of the members of this forum are inherent and not granted by the forum.
(2)	 The rights and freedoms of the members and groups enshrined in this chapter shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of the Forum.
9.	Equality of members.
(1)	All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law under this Constitution.
(2)	Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, age, creed or religion or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
(3)	For the purpose of this article “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable to, or mainly to their respective description by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, age, creed or religion or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
(4)	Nothing in this article shall prevent the forum organs from enacting laws that are necessary for: -
(a)	Implementing policies and programs aimed at redressing social, economic or other imbalance in the forum or 
(b)	Making such provision as is required or authorized to be made under this Constitution.
(c)	Providing for any matter acceptable and demonstrably justified by its Jesus of Nazareth’s identity.
(5)	Nothing shall be taken to be inconsistent with this article, which is allowed to be done under any provision of this Constitution.

10.	Right to a Fair Hearing.
(1)	In the resolution of any disciplinary matter before any organ of the Forum, a person shall be entitled to a fair and speedy hearing and all judicial guarantees under the Guild/Students’ Union Constitution disciplinary code that shall be invoked.
11.	Affirmative Action in favour of Marginalized groups.
(1)	Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the forum coordinator (s) shall take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalized on the basis of gender, age disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom, for the purpose of redressing imbalances, which exist against them.
12.	Minorities’ Right to participation in Decision-making.
Minorities have a right to participate in decision-making processes and their view and interests shall be taken into account in making the forum plans and programs.
13.	Conferment of Rights and Freedoms.
(1)	In the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed in this constitution, no member shall prejudice the exercise of fundamental or other human rights by others.
(2)	Members’ interest under this article shall not permit.
(a)	Personal grudges
(b)	Any limitation of the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed by this constitution what is acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free, Spiritual and democratic society.
14.	Applications in case of infringement of Rights or Freedom:
Any member who claims that a fundamental or other right or freedom guaranteed under this Constitution has been infringed or threatened is entitled to apply to the Forum Chief coordinator for redress, which may cause amendment.

15. Appeals from the Forum Chief Coordinator’s Decision.
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Forum Chief Coordinator may appeal to the Forum Patron and thereafter if not satisfied to the Guild Tribunal.

CHAPTER FOUR
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
16. Establishment of the General Assembly.
There shall be a general assembly of the University Africa Youth Leadership Forum Chapter that shall be the highest Organ of the Forum.
17. Composition of the General Assembly.
(1)	The General Assembly shall be composed of all Members of the Forum, presided over by the Forum Chief coordinator.
(2)	The General Assembly shall convene at such times as the coordinators in consultation with the head office and the patron deem fit.
(3)	All Members of the forum shall be under a duty to attend in person and regularly all meetings lawfully convened by the forum chief coordinator and to meaningfully contribute within the limits of their abilities and powers.

18. Functions of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly shall convene to:
(a)	Resolve contentious issues arising from the forum coordinators;
(b)	Hear from the forum Chief coordinator; 
(c)	Hear from the forum Patron; and
(d)	Decide on the way forward on matters that affect the members’ welfare in the forum.
(e)	Amend the forum Constitution ( if need arises)
19.	Procedure of the General Assembly.
a.	The procedure of the General Assembly shall be as provided for in this Constitution.
i.	The General Assembly shall be constituted by a quorum of 2/3 of the Forum Members for purposes of passing a resolution.
ii.	Failure to raise such quorum shall render any decisions passed by such a meeting null and void.
b.	The decisions of the General Assembly shall be binding if carried by a simple majority, subject to the other provisions of the Constitution.
c.	The chief coordinator’s decision on matters of procedure is final.
20.	Powers of the General Assembly to make law.
(1)	Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the general assembly shall have the power to make laws on any matter for the peace, order, development and good governance of the Forum.
(2)	Except as provided in this Constitution, no member or body other than the general assembly shall have power to make any provision having the force of law in this Forum except under authority conferred by this constitution or general assembly.
(3)	The general assembly shall protect this Constitution and promote the democratic governance of Forum.
(4)	The Chief Coordinator shall call and preside over all meetings in the General Assembly in consultation with the relevant persons.
21.	Dissolution of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly shall be dissolved at the last General Assembly before assumption of office by Forum Chief Coordinator and other coordinators.

CHAPTER FIVE
22.	Establishment of the Office of the Chief Coordinator.
a.	There shall be a Chief Coordinator of the Africa Youth Leadership Forum Uganda, appointed by the Country coordination office, who shall
i.	Be the head of the Forum and Chairperson, 
ii.	Be the student representative to the University Guild/Student Union related activities and meetings.
iii.	Be the organizing authority for the election of the Assistant Coordinator and other Forum coordinators.
iv.	The forum shall not have more than a three-member coordination team, including the Chief, assistant and another forum coordinator of whom a lady or ladies shall be a must representative.
v.	Suggest, recommend and approve to the Country Coordination Office and also mentor of the next Chief Coordinator when his/ her term of office expires.
23.	Fountain of power and hierarchy.
The Chief Coordinator shall take precedence over all members of the forum and in descending order the Assistant coordinator, and the other coordinator of the Forum.
24.	Chief Coordinator to subscribe to the oath.
Before assuming the duties of the office of Chief Coordinator, a member appointed Chief Coordinator shall take and subscribe to the oath of allegiance and the Chief Coordinator oath specified in the first schedule to this Constitution.
25.	Chief Coordinator to execute and maintain this Constitution
The Chief Coordinator shall execute and maintain this Constitution and all laws made under or continued in force by this Constitution.
26.	Duty of the Chief Coordinator to abide by the Constitution:
(1)	It shall be the duty of the Chief Coordinator to abide by, uphold and safeguard this Constitution to promote the welfare of the members and protect the integrity of the Forum.
(2)	The Chief Coordinator shall hold office for a term of one year (ii) but such tenure may be extended by the general assembly in consultation with the Country Coordination Office until he/she has mentored the next Chief Coordinator.
         
CHAPTER SIX
             FINANCE
            27. Sources of funds for MUK Africa Youth Leadership Forum - Chapter.
The sources of funds for the Forum shall be:
a.	The appropriate portion of the contribution fees by the Country Office to the Forum;
b.	Money from the Guild paid to registered associations; and
c.	Income from Forum functions (including fines), donations, fundraisings, projects and any other source as may be approved by the General Assembly.
28.	Determination of the appropriate member contribution fees and other activity fees.
The Forum Chief Coordinator and members shall set the member contribution fee in consultation with the Forum Country Coordination office and the patron.
29.	Forum Account:
(1)	There shall be the Forum account called the MUK - Africa Youth Leadership Forum Account that shall keep all Forum funds.
      (2) The Principal signatories to this account shall include the forum patron and Chief campus Coordinator, and any other member that the Forum may select.
     30. Control of the revenue.
a.	The Contribution of Members shall be collected by the Forum/Movement Chief Coordinator and remitted to the forum account.
b.	The Chief Coordinator shall be accountable to the General Assembly and the Country Coordination office for Forum/Movement incomes and expenditures.

31. Financial report to be published.
(1) The financial report shall be made available and accessible to all members by reasonable means.
(2) The financial advisor of the Forum shall be the patron of the Forum.

CHAPTER SEVEN
AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
32. The Constitution to be amended by a resolution
    This Constitution shall only be reviewed and amended as provided herein.                                                          
33. Procedure for amendment.
(1)	Either the General Assembly or the Members of the Forum can initiate a petition to amend this Constitution, as follows:
(a)	The General Assembly may by resolution passed by 2/3 of the members present at two consecutive sittings thereof petition to amend the Constitution.
(b)	The members of the Forum, by a written petition signed by at least 50% of said members, may petition to amend the Constitution.
(2)	Upon the submission of a valid petition to amend the Constitution, the Chief coordinator must call a special session of the General Assembly upon 2 days’ notice.  The only business which may be conducted at such special session of the General Assembly shall be consideration of the petition to amend the Constitution.  Such petition shall be deemed to be accepted if it is approved by no less than two-thirds of those members of the Special Assembly present and voting.
(3)	In amending this Constitution, there shall be consultation with the Country Coordination office to see to it that the amendments suit the vision and objectives of the AYLF movement.

CHAPTER EIGHT
SCHEDULE
FIRST SCHEDULE – OATHS
             1.   OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

I ……………………………………………… solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to MUK Uganda and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Greater Values, Principles and Foundations of the Africa Youth Leadership Forum/Movement. So, help me God.
             2.       CHIEF COORDINATOR’S / ASSISTANT’S OATH

I ……………………………………………. Being sworn in as MUK Uganda, Africa Youth Leadership Forum Chief Coordinator (Assistant Coordinator); do solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of MUK Africa Youth Leadership Forum/Movement. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and uphold the Values, Principles and Foundations of this Forum/Movement. I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office with honesty and to the best of my ability. So, help me God.
          3.    MEMBERS’ ALLEGIANCE TO THE CONSTITUTION.

We the Members of Africa Youth Leadership Forum/Movement brought together by the provisions of this Africa Youth Leadership Forum/Movement Constitution solemnly swear/affirm to uphold defend and abide by it, ready to go out and serve God and the community. May God help us

        4. THE OUTGOING CHIEF COORDINATOR’S – HAND OVER

I ………………………………. the outgoing Chief Coordinator of MUK, Africa Youth Leadership Forum/Movement hereby confirm that the files and all other Forum/movement properties for which my executive and I have been in charge are of correct and up to date in each and every portfolio. Other rules, regulations and usage of AYLF without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. So, help me God.

CHAPTER NINE
INTERPRETATIONS OF KEY WORDS.
	In this Constitution, unless otherwise the context requires:
	
Article 	                                                  -means an article of this Constitution.
	
	Extra ordinary                                         -circumstance means any happening or situation more than ordinary.

Regional Coordination office 	 -Means Africa Youth Leadership Forum, Regional Coordination Office Located on plot 37 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, Kampala, Uganda

Country Coordination Office 	 - Means Africa Youth Leadership Forum, Country Coordination Office Located on plot 37 Acacia Avenue Kololo, Kampala, Uganda.

Forum/Movement/Chapter		-Means Africa Youth Leadership Forum/Movement.

             Member				-means members/ students as in this Constitution.

	Oath of allegiance		 -means an oath of allegiance prescribed by this          					Constitution.

	Schedule			-means the schedule in this Constitution.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We wish to submit this Africa Youth Leadership Forum Constitution 2020, believing that it shall be respected as an instrument for proper democratic governance of members in this Forum/Movement and their affairs and will stand the test of time.

Yours in service
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