Nalwanja Anisha
Nkumba University’s guild presidential aspirants were hosted at BBS TV, a Buganda Kingdom-owned television station, for an external debate that gave them a platform to showcase their manifestos and convince students to vote for them.
The debate, moderated by Ssekiwungu Hasiruh, aimed to expose the strengths of the candidates to viewers and provide voters with an opportunity to elect leaders with an informed conscience.
The three aspirants, Katende Muhammed from the School of Law, Mawanda Derrick from the School of Law, and Alinda Marvin from the School of Commercial Industrial Art and Design, presented their visions for the student body.
During the debate, the aspirants were asked questions from different angles, designed to test their leadership skills and vision for the university. When asked about his inspiration, Mawanda Derrick cited Honorable John Patrick Ama Mbabazi and the former Vice President of Uganda, praising their leadership qualities. “I would pick two. Honorable John Patrick Ama Mbabazi, and also the former Vice President of our country, who I hold with high regard, they are all lawyers and have inspired me a lot,” he said.
Katende Muhammed was asked about his willingness to work with his fellow aspirants and which positions he would give them. “I am willing to work with everyone as long as they are willing to work with me. A leader is like a candle that lights for everyone in the room,” he responded.
In regards to his favorite member of parliament, and why. Alinda Marvin said, “I would say Honorable Ssemujju Nganda, cause he’s frank. We don’t need people who beat around the bush. We need people who attract the challenges and face the leadership, so he’s my leader,” he emphasized.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Atuna Sabrine Henry, reminded viewers that voting would take place on April 26, 2025, at Nkumba University and outlined the eligibility criteria. “An eligible voter is someone who has covered 20% of the tuition at Nkumba University with an ID and blue card,” she said.
Atuna also sensitized viewers on how to cast their votes to make them valid. “We are going to provide instructions on the ballot papers. What amounts to a valid vote is that you have to use only a pen that would be provided to you by the commissioners. And the tick shouldn’t extend out of the box given,” she explained.
The debate concluded with a reminder about the open-air campaign scheduled for April 25, 2025, where aspirants will have a chance to speak to students publicly and present their manifestos. The voting process will start at 8:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.
