Wenepaida Hellen Patience
A highly anticipated guild presidential debate at Nkumba University turned chaotic last evening after a last-minute entry by a third aspirant sparked controversy, stirring mixed reactions among students.
The debate, held at the packed Ts1 hall, was meant to give the university’s top aspirants a platform to engage with the student body and present their manifestos. Two candidates, Derick Mawanda and Kattende Muhammad, arrived early and took full advantage of the opportunity to articulate their visions for the student guild.
Mawanda, calm and composed, laid out a detailed manifesto, focusing on financial transparency, accountability, and student inclusion in guild decision-making. “Students deserve to know where every shilling goes,” Mawanda stated. “Transparency is not just a word — it’s a duty. Under my leadership, the guild’s salary structure and expenditure will be made public.”
Katende Muhammad, on the other hand, took to the stage with a burst of energy and charisma. “By the will of God… we can… we will… we shall! We shall lead with integrity, we shall listen with empathy, and we shall work tirelessly for the betterment of our university,” he declared to a thunderous applause from the audience.
However, just as the debate was moving into its interactive segment, Alinda Marvin, the third aspirant, made a dramatic late entrance, disrupting the flow and thrusting the event into chaos as his entourage made way for him.
Upon his arrival, Alinda was immediately confronted by the debate moderator, who insisted that there would be no exceptions for him due to his tardiness. “I’m not going to make an exception for you,” she asserted. “The rules are clear: all aspirants must arrive on time to participate in the debate.”
Alinda, visibly frustrated, pushed back: “This is unfair! I have a right to be given equal opportunity!” The moderator calmly responded, “You should have known better than to arrive late. The electoral guidelines are there to ensure fairness for all candidates.”
The exchange quickly escalated, with students in the audience taking sides and chanting — “Let him speak!” clashed with “No way!” The debate moderator intervened, attempting to restore parity and reminding the audience of the importance of a fair and respectful process.
Eventually allowed to say a few words, Alinda shocked the audience when he admitted he had no written manifesto. Instead, he attempted to speak broadly about student concerns, but the audience and the moderator seemed unimpressed.
The chaos at the debate revealed deeper tensions about leadership, accountability, and the importance of preparation in student politics. Many students left the venue with mixed feelings, expressing frustration at how quickly the event unraveled, while others felt inspired by the speeches of the prepared candidates.
“We need leaders who respect our time and the rules,” said Judith Namuli, a third-year law student. “This is not just a popularity contest. It’s about who can actually deliver.”
As the dust settles and voting day approaches, students now have a clearer view of the character and capability of those seeking to lead them. For Derrick Mawanda and Katende Muhammad, the debate was a platform to rise. For Alinda Marvin, it served as a tough lesson in preparation and timing.
The Guild Aspirants are expected to have a live TV debate on BBS telefina today at 10 am, and students will be heading to the polls on the 26th of this month. The University Electoral Commission Chairperson, Ms Atuna Sabrine Henry, has assured students that she will deliver a free and fair election.
