By Victor Turinawe
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Guild presidential aspirants Jeremy Mugabi and Daphine Kuhirwa have unveiled manifestos focusing on student welfare, academic support, security and economic empowerment.
Mugabi, campaigning under the slogan “We Do Not Complain, We Repair,” pledges to improve food safety through inspections of food outlets in collaboration with the Guild Ministry of Health.
He also proposes mapping potentially unsafe areas around the university, strengthening academic support through follow-ups on missing marks, and linking students with alumni for mentorship and internship opportunities.
Mugabi further promises to promote transparency through semesterly financial reports, open feedback sessions and digital platforms for timely communication.
Kuhirwa on the other hand has a four-point manifesto prioritising academics and student welfare, campus security, student media and entrepreneurship.
She proposes an emergency tuition fund, flexible instalment plans and a digital system for tracking missing marks. Her security agenda includes CCTV surveillance at accredited off-campus hostels, 24-hour Guild emergency hotlines and collaboration with Mukono Police.
Kuhirwa also says she plans to establish “The Anchor”, a weekly student podcast highlighting innovation, leadership and mental health, as well as an economic empowerment initiative, UCU Market Connect, to promote student-owned businesses through an online directory and termly campus bazaars.
Discontent
Bright Atuhaire, a third-year law student, who threw his hat in the ring has questioned the fairness of UCU’s Guild presidential vetting process after being excluded at the Senate stage despite passing the School of Law vetting.
In a statement to the UCU community, Atuhaire said the Electoral Commission had asked the faculty to submit a second candidate after reportedly being informed that an Engineering student had been disqualified. However, he said the Engineering student remained in the race during the Senate vetting.
Other positions being contested for include Member of Parliament for The Faculty of Design, Engineering and Technology, Male Residents, Special Needs, Male Non-Residents, Female Non-Residents, School of Journalism and Communication, School of Business, Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Law, Female Residents, International Students, Social Sciences and School of Education.
Keith Basemerwa, chairperson of the 28th Guild Electoral Commission, said the vetting exercise proceeded well under the supervision of the Director of Students’ Affairs (DOSA) office.
“I am glad that we have officially launched the election campaigns today with two Guild president contestants. I wish all the contestants the best and hope they can observe the guidelines,” Basemerwa said.
