By Catherine Nabulya
Samantha Akankunda Mwesigye has been voted as the 27th Guild President of Uganda Christian University (UCU) following a highly competitive electoral process. Mwesigye won decisively with 1,189 votes (62.35%), defeating her closest rival, Abaasa Lynn, who received 718 votes (37.65%).
The election, was marred by delays and procedural challenges. The day started with a briefing from the Director of Students’ Affairs (DOSA), Pamela Tumwebaze, which was delayed due to the late arrival of candidates’ agents. “We were supposed to start at exactly 9:00 am but we statarted at 10:10 am, but the agents arrived extremely late,” Tumwebaze said, expressing her disappointment.
Despite initial setbacks, the Alpha Management System was opened for students to cast their votes. However, technical glitches in the system left many frustrated. Some students, especially those off-campus, struggled to access the voting codes required to participate. This led to long queues at the DOSA’s office and a decision to extend voting hours by two hours, concluding at 8:36 pm.
Mwesigye’s victory sparked jubilant celebrations from her supporters, who thronged Nkoyoyo Hall to hear the results. Her campaign. Addressing the excited crowd, Mwesigye quoted Romans 8:31: “If God is for you, who can be against you?” She pledged to make her tenure as Guild President the most impactful in UCU’s history.
“My team and I are committed to serving the student body to meet their expectations. Together, we will achieve great things,” she said, drawing applause from her supporters.
Mwesigye’s opponent, Abaasa Lynn, was gracious in defeat, commending her team for their efforts during the campaign.
Other positions in the Guild Government were also hotly contested, with several notable winners. Among them were Angella Abwot Auma and Tom Akankwasa as MPs for the School of Engineering, and Marvin Murungi and Tenywa Joseph Michael as MPs for the School of Law.
The elections, though faced with logistical issues, mark another chapter in UCU’s democratic tradition. Mwesigye’s leadership promises a transformative era for the institution, with students eagerly anticipating the implementation of her campaign pledges.
This year’s guild election not only highlighted the vibrancy of student politics but also underscored the importance of efficiency and inclusivity in the electoral process, a sentiment echoed by many students and stakeholders.
