By Victor Turinawe
Usher Bennets Lewis has been declared the winner of the 2024-2025 Uganda Christian University-Bishop Barham University College (UCU-BBUC) Guild Elections, edging out his closest rival, Derrick Akampa, by a slim margin of just 14 votes. The highly contested race, held on Friday, saw a remarkable turnout among education students, with Lewis securing 176 votes, equivalent to 39% of the total votes cast.
Derrick Akampa, the first runner-up, garnered 162 votes (36%), while Isaac Ampurira came in third with 111 votes (25%). Notably, the election also recorded two invalid votes, reportedly folded together, sparking speculation that they may have been marked by the same person.
The election, dominated by candidates from the Faculty of Education, saw all three contenders—Lewis, Akampa, and Ampurira—pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education, currently in their second year, first semester. The contest was described as a battle of giants among education students, demonstrating the influence of the faculty in this year’s guild race.
Despite the excitement around the guild elections, voter turnout was notably lower than expected. The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Gerald Irimaso, expressed concerns over the low engagement, revealing that out of 1,000 printed ballot papers and 753 students validated for the semester, only 451 votes were cast. This translates to a turnout of about 60%, well below the anticipated numbers.
Irimaso attributed the low turnout to a lackluster campaign season, stating that candidates failed to connect with the electorate as effectively as anticipated. “The campaigns didn’t hit the ground as expected, which likely contributed to the low voter turnout,” he remarked.
In his address to the student body after the election results were announced, the Dean of Students, Rev. Robertson Peter Agaba, commended the Electoral Commission for conducting a peaceful and transparent election. He urged students, particularly those who were unsuccessful, to remain hopeful and professional.
“As students and future professionals, this is part of your growth journey. Losing an election should not dampen your spirit. You are in transition, preparing for the bigger roles that await you,” Rev. Agaba encouraged.
The guild elections at UCU-BBUC, which traditionally draw significant student engagement, highlight the competitive spirit among student leaders. However, the underwhelming voter turnout has sparked discussions on the need for more dynamic campaign strategies in future elections.
This year’s guild election was unique, with all candidates hailing from the Faculty of Education. It underscored the faculty’s strong presence in campus leadership, with the candidates being second-year students specializing in the Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAED) program.
As Usher Bennets Lewis takes on the mantle of Guild President, he faces the task of uniting the student body and addressing concerns raised during the election period. His immediate challenge will be to galvanize student interest and participation in university affairs, especially in light of the recorded voter apathy.
The newly elected guild president will be inaugurated next week, where he is expected to outline his agenda for the student community in his maiden speech.
