By Victor Turinawe
The Office of the Director of Students’ Affairs (DOSA), together with the Electoral Commission (EC) at Uganda Christian University (UCU), has launched the roadmap for the students’ leadership general elections ahead of the expiry of the 28th Guild Government term.
The roadmap was launched on October 2, 2026, at the ICMI Building at UCU’s Mukono Campus, in an event attended by Tom Toboswa Kiplagat, representing DOSA Mrs Enid Ashaba Mugarura, EC Chairperson Keith Basemerwa and 28th Guild President Abraham Elomaboni.
According to Basemerwa, applications for elective positions will open on October 6 and close on October 9, when candidates will also be required to submit all necessary documents. Online nominations will open on October 13 and close on October 16.
Vetting of successfully nominated candidates for MP positions will take place on October 19, followed by faculty vetting of presidential candidates on October 20.
Joint and select board voting will be held on October 21, with successful candidates from the nomination and voting process declared the same day. Results, including that of the Guild President, will be announced at 5:00 p.m.
On October 23, DOSA, the Electoral Commission and successful candidates will meet, during which each candidate will submit the names of two official campaign agents. The official campaign will be launched at 1:00 p.m. the same day.
The presidential candidates will be presented to the Vice-Chancellor by the EC Chairperson on October 27. A community worship service with successful candidates will also be held on the same day to dedicate them to God.
A parliamentary debate is scheduled for October 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the presidential debate will take place on October 30, with the exact time to be agreed upon with the candidates.
Campaigns will officially close at 11:59 p.m. on November 3, followed by voting and declaration of results on November 4.
Basemerwa cautioned candidates that they would be held responsible for violations committed by their campaign agents.
“This time, you will still be liable for the actions of your campaign agent, and such violations may lead to disqualification. If you feel that your campaign agent has changed, please inform the Electoral Commission in advance,” he said.
Candidates will also be required to submit their campaign roadmaps and schedules and were warned against campaigning before the official campaign period begins.
Basemerwa further urged candidates to remove posters and banners after campaigns end, saying the university should be clean before voting begins.
He said agents would play a key role in representing candidates during the election and urged contestants to choose people who understand the electoral process.
“Whatever your agents sign on your behalf, you will be considered to have accepted,” Basemerwa said.
He added that any challenges arising on polling day could lead to an extension after consultations with candidates’ agents. He also said election petitions would be handled in accordance with the UCU Constitution, with parties encouraged to first resolve disputes through dialogue before proceeding to the tribunal.
Basemerwa urged aspirants to familiarise themselves with the UCU Constitution, saying it provides guidance on most election-related questions.
He explained that presidential and other nominations require 50 supporters from the respective constituency, while the Youth President requires 50 supporters, with at least five drawn from each faculty.
Candidates seeking nomination letters can obtain recommendation letters from their Heads of Department or Deans, with authorised delegates also allowed to issue them.
The requirements for MPs include an application letter, a scanned copy of the passport’s front page, curriculum vitae, one passport-size photograph, two personal bank accounts, a faculty recommendation letter and an application fee of Shs52,000. Residents will pay Shs103,000, excluding applicable charges.
Two candidates are listed for each of the MP positions for Law School, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, School of Business, School of Journalism, School of Social Sciences, Apprenticeship Science, Resident Male, Resident Female, Non-Resident Male, Non-Resident Female, Human Sciences and International Students.
There is one candidate each for MP, Faculty of Education, Special Needs and Postgraduate.
“All presidential aspirants should strictly satisfy the requirements under Article 27, Clauses 1 and 2 of the UCU Constitution, as amended,” Elomaboni said.
The Guild President urged students and electoral stakeholders to respect their respective roles throughout the election.
“Stay in your position as a student. Stay in your position as a candidate. If you are an aspirant, remain in your position. The Electoral Commission should remain in its position, and security should remain in its position, so that we do not collide,” Elomaboni said.
He cautioned candidates against communicating on behalf of the Electoral Commission or accepting information from individuals who are not authorised to speak for it.
Basemerwa also urged members of the tribunal, Electoral Commission and Speaker’s Office to avoid involvement in electoral activities that could compromise their impartiality.
Current Guild Government office holders who intend to contest in the elections will be required to resign before the nomination exercise begins.
The current Electoral Commission is expected to hand over to the 29th Guild Government on November 21, 2026, marking the conclusion of the 28th Electoral Commission’s term.
