The Makerere University Guild President, David Bwiruka Bala and his cabinet were sworn in on Monday 30th March 2015 in a fully parked Main Hall. In his acceptance speech, H.E Bala pledged to leave no stone unturned in contributing to the challenges affecting Makerere University and to consult all stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.

“My leadership shall be based on consultation. I will come to you as the student community to consult with you. I also pledge to work with the University Management very when they pledge to work with us. As the Bala Government we must sit down and draw a road map towards our academic excellence. We must be passionate about the welfare of our lecturers because a teacher on an empty stomach can hardly do anything. So we must make sure that we strive for their rights. We will then demand for service delivery,” he told the excited crowd.

“For about three years, I have looked forward to this day and I have worked towards it. It has been a long journey but I do not forget the trust that I put in the lord. It is very important for us to stand as a team and be proud of Makerere University . As the 81st Guild President, I am ready to serve Makerere. I believe the University has many challenges but we cannot overcome them as individuals but as a team,” he added. 
Bala’s remarks were punctuated with ululations from the ecstatic student community. He further promised to work towards eliminating unethical practices in all its forms, to ensure academic excellence of students, pay attention to security concerns within the university and advocate for renovation of facilities; in liaison with the relevant offices.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, cautioned H.E Bala to  look back at the promises made during campaigns and isolate real issues from none issues. “In tackling the real issues which affect the students and the community of Makerere University , you ought to endeavour to pursue the approach of dialogue.  It is common knowledge that no single person, in a community like Makerere, can afford to  achieve everything they want just on their own. Therefore, much of what you will accomplish will, to a very large extent, depend on your ability and willingness to cooperate and work with the relevant organs of the University,” he emphasized. 
“Your leadership should be based on the knowledge that there are rules and regulations which guide the operations of Public Universities such as Makerere. Your government should travel along  a clear path of discipline, hard work and accountable leadership, he added.

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Roy Ssemboga had earlier reported that the Guild race had 10 aspirants. Bala David Bwiruka won the highly contested election with 5,562 votes followed by Mwine Musa with 2,696 votes. The other contestants are Namulindawa Stella (2,379 votes), Opoya Michael (1,297 votes), Mukula George William (635votes), Ssentongo Ivan (109 votes), Lubega Henry (69 votes), Kayondo Latima (35 votes), Tusiime Festus Bamyoya (33 votes) and Baguma Andrew (23votes). A total of 323 votes were invalid.

The Dean of Students, Cyriaco Kabagambe, thanked the Electoral Commission for working tirelessly to deliver a clean electoral process. He encouraged the new student leadership to prioritize hard work and academic excellence. Ssemboga presented a report on the electoral process, proposing amendments to the Guild constitution.

At the same event, the Guild Representatives to Council were also sworn in.

By Marion Aina

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