Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
The race for the Guild President at Uganda Christian University(UCU) is intensifying as two candidates, Samantha Mwesigye from the School of Law and Lynn Abassa from the faculty of Nursing and Public Health, head to the ballot today, Friday 22 November 2024.
This campaign season has been marked by a quieter, hybrid approach, differing significantly from the noisy and vibrant campaigns of previous years.
In an interview with Mwesigye, she expressed her experience on the campaign trail. “I have been able to interact with students and understand them deeper,” she stated.
She emphasised her commitment to serving UCU students through her four-point manifesto focusing on tuition, security, student life, and accountability.
Mwesigye also voiced her disappointment regarding some students resorting to hate speech intimidation and threats against women especially during the campaign period . “It’s heartbreaking that people still use these tactics,” she remarked.
Lynn Abassa, who is also contesting for the position of guild president believes in conducting fair and respectful elections and noted that while she initially started her campaign quietly, she has come to appreciate this approach.
“I prioritize meeting, interacting, and connecting with students,” Abassa said. She acknowledged that the silent campaigns have pushed her to be more creative in reaching her electorate .
As the election date approaches, Bill Clinton, the Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, emphasised the importance of student participation in the elections.
He reminded students of the importance of their voices in the electoral process. “Make sure to stay informed about the election and exercise your right to vote,” he urged.
Clinton has highlighted a significant increase in candidates contesting for various positions across different schools within the university this year.
Initially, five candidates were vying for the position of Guild President : Ivan Tamale Nkoyoyo (School of Law) ,Lynn Abassa (School of Nursing), Samantha Mwesigye (School of Law) ,Joselyne Kulume (School of Social Sciences) ,Abraham Roy Kamusiime (School of Business) .
The electoral road map began with the launch on October 14, followed by nominations on 22 and 23 October , vetting sessions for MPs and President on October 28th and 30th and a joint board vetting on November 1, where both Mwesigye and Abassa were confirmed as candidates for the Guild President position.
Campaigns officially kicked off on November 6, with a presidential debate held on November 14.
Campaigns ended on 20th Nov at Mid night setting the stage for the polling date this Friday November 22.
As students gear up for the elections, they are encouraged to remain engaged and participate actively in shaping their student governance
Meanwhile, Usher Bennets Lewis has been declared the winner of the 2024-2025 Uganda Christian University-Bishop Barham University College (UCU-BBUC) Guild Elections .
The highly contested race with all three candidates from the faculty of Education , saw Lewis bag 176 votes (39%) , Derrick Akampa trailing behind with 162 votes (36%) and Isaac Ampurira with 111 votes (25%)
The chairman electoral Commission Gerald Irimaso expressed concerns over the low voter turn up . Out of 1000 printed ballot papers , 753 validated voters , only 451 students turned up to vote
