A new Electoral Commission, EC, has assumed office following a Swearing in and Induction ceremony at Makerere University Senate building held on 16^th February 2015. The EC is chaired by Roy Ssemboga, who scooped 43 of the 76 votes to become Chairperson in a highly contested race held at the College of Engineering Design Art and Technoloy, CEDAT, on 11^th February 2015. Sarah Aseru took over the Vice Chairperson slot, Vivien Kawule is in charge of Finance, Kevin Obiya is the General Secretary and Dennis Okori will handle the Public Relations. According to Benson Chark, the Guild Speaker, the voting of the Electoral Commission office bearers was smoothly conducted with no petition thus far.

This team is tasked with organising the upcoming 81^st Guild elections of Makerere University, scheduled for early March 2015.

In his acceptance speech, the fresh-in-office Chairperson pledged to deliver a clean electoral process. “This is the strongest team you will ever have. We have great team work and will serve without fear or favour to take Makerere Universityto great heights. I am confident of each and every member of the EC since I have worked with them before and can attest to their competence,” assured Ssemboga.

So far six candidates have expressed interest in vying for the top post of Guild President and each of them is already laying strategies of winning the election. Their posters can be seen various strategic places at the Main campus.

The swearing in ceremony of the EC was witnessed by a number of Staff of Makerere University including representatives from the Office of the Dean of Students, the Wardens of the various halls of residence, the Makerere University Public Relations office, Rev. Canon Geoffrey Byarugaba- Ag. Chaplain St. Francis Chapel and Rev. Father Josephat Ddungu- Chaplain of St. Augustine Chapel.

The Dean of Students, Cyriaco Kabagambe urged the Electoral Commission to observe the constitutional provisions at all times. “I urge you to stay neutral and make use of the relevant offices in Makerere University when you need guidance. The work you are going to embark on is service to humanity and when you do it well, you will be remembered for it,” he said.

The Deputy Dean of Students Stephen Kateega cautioned the EC to stand out from the crowd. “Leadership carries a number of challenges. This job demands trustworthiness, straight forward dealing, faith and truth. Be straight from the onset. If anything goes wrong, you will make headlines,” he said.

Rev. Byarugaba drew from his experience to inspire them, “As a former Returning Officer, I urge you to be responsible, develop a detailed roadmap, pay attention to all the details and most importantly document all the processes. This will help you at all times,” he emphasised.

Other Makerere University Staff in attendance cautioned the EC to be organised ahead of time, avoid last minute panicking, set and abide by guiding principles, account for public funds, prevail over the process and set clear guidelines on who the eligible voters are. To close the ceremony, the Chaplains in attendance prayed and blessed the EC.

Article by Marion Alina