In preparation for the forthcoming Guild Elections 2017/18 and bid to hold free and fair elections at Makerere University,  a new Students' Guild Electoral Commission was inaugurated. This was during the swearing in ceremony held on March 6, 2017 in the Conference Room, Senate Building.

Witnessed by the Makerere University Dean of Students, administrators, religious leaders and students’ representatives; five commissioners were sworn-in. These included; Mr. Isaac Otuku-Chairperson, Ms. Barbra Nakaggwa-Vice Chairperson, Mr. Joseph Kafuuma-Secretary, Mr. Daniel Amanya-Finance and Mr. Abasi Kizito-Public Relations.

While presiding over the ceremony, the Dean of Students-Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe congratulated the candidates and assured them of support. He urged them to be faithful, transparent and anticipate challenges and solve them promptly during their term of service.

“Once the swearing in is done, we are expecting you to officially take office. As the Electoral Commission, the main target is to produce fair elections accepted by all stakeholders and students. After elections, all parties should be happy and contented. Your administrators are always ready to work with you and they will support you when you need them, so work with them and your fellow students” the Dean said.

Mr. Kabagambe thus informed the commissioners that much as they had been put in office, they were to remain university students. He advised them to always treat everybody equally without any bias. He told them that they had come to attain leadership skills but not employment and money. They were also reminded to work within the budget which is about UGX 68Million and to always account for the funds provided to them.

The Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Kasujja Imran advised the candidates to always consult and also make good use of the Guild Constitution during their tenure.

“Always consult your seniors for advice and remain people of integrity while performing your duties. The Guild Constitution is very visionary, let it be your point of reference because everything was captured in it.”

Speaking at the event, Rev. Can. Amos Turyahabwe-Chaplain St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University congratulated the commissioners and reminded them that they had come forward to serve. He advised them to always do their work with energy, knowledge and integrity in a timely manner. He also urged them not to neglect their studies.

“This aspect of service is a call from God. You have come to serve this community and this is a great responsibility. As you carry out your leadership duties, you should behave as students and not abandon your studies. Always have good faith, seek for counsel and learn to do God’s will with integrity,” said Rev. Can. Turyahabwe.

Similarly, Fr. Joseph Ddungu-Chaplain St. Augustine Chapel and Imam Sam Ahmed Ssentongo-Makerere University mosque advised the commissioners to be good leaders who always seek to be knowledgeable, diligent, respectful and dynamic. They urged the commissioners to work as a team and use their term of office to attain leadership skills and not work for their own selfish interests.

The Ceremony was attended by Guild Electoral Commission officials, Makerere University Administrators, Religious leaders and students’ representatives.

Article by Public Relations Office