The new Makerere University Students’ Electoral Commission started its work by holding several meetings and consultations with key stakeholders in the University. Sworn-in on 26th August 2016 in the Office of the Dean of Students, the five successful candidates vowed to serve the students’ fraternity diligently.

The Sworn-in Students’ Electoral Commission comprises the Chairperson- Isabirye Kenneth; Vice Chairperson-Nakazzi Hadijah; Secretary to the Commission-Bukamba Nelson; Commissioner for the Finance-Ahumuza Jerry; and Commissioner for Public Relations-Akenda Joshua.

The Deputy Dean of Students of Makerere University, Mr. Stephen Kateega officiated at swearing-in-ceremony. According to Mr. Kateega, the newly elected Electoral Commission is mandated to conduct the re-election process, make arrangements for the election activities and accurately announce the Guild elections results.

Speaking at the Swearing-in-Ceremony, Mr. Kateega advised the new Electoral Commission to always refer to the policy and procedural documents such as the Guild Constitution in the execution of their mandate. He emphasized the need for integrity, truthfulness, respect for each other and readiness to work as a team.

On 11th March 2016, Makerere University conducted one of the highly contested guild elections.  One of the candidates Roy Ssembogga lodged a petition against the winner Bazil Biddemu Mwotta and the Guild Electoral Commission, over unfair and not free elections at School of Education. This prompted the Guild Election Petition Tribunal to order for a re-election in the School of Education. Not contented with the ruling from the Guild Election Petition Tribunal, Bazil Biddemu Mwotta lodged a petition at High Court, seeking annulment of the university tribunal’s order of holding re-elections at the School of Education. The High Court maintained the Guild Election Petition Tribunal’s position of holding a re-election at the School of Education.

This meant that the Caretaker Guild Government had to appoint a new Electoral Commission to conduct the re-election exercise. On 23rd August 2016, the Caretaker Guild Government issued an advert for five positions in the Mak Students’ Electoral Commission targeting eligible continuing students (subscribed to Makerere University Students’ Guild).

On 25th August 2016, the Caretaker Guild Government conducted interviews, vetted successful applicants for the aforementioned positions, and organized the swearing-in-ceremony held on 26th August 2016.

The following Members of the Caretaker Guild Government witnessed the Swearing-in-Ceremony: The Vice Chair of the Caretaker Government/Guild Speaker-Burobuto Jothan, Guild Administrator- Nalubowa Norah, Guild Advisor-Nsubuga Brian and the Guild Legal Advisor represented by Hudson Musoke.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Associate Writer/Photographer: Commissioner for Public Relations-Electoral Commission