Okuonga Boniface Opiyo
The Nkumba University open-air campaigns on April 25th took an unexpected turn when all three guild presidential candidates, Katende Muhammad, Alinda Marvin, and Mawanda Derrick, failed to show up on time, causing a delay of over an hour and a half. The event, scheduled to start at 2 pm, was put on hold as students waited anxiously for the candidates to take the stage.
Katende Muhammad was the first to arrive at 3:30 pm, leading a procession of supporters clad in orange reflector jackets as they danced to “Kadodi” music. However, their excitement was short-lived as they vanished from the university premises, leaving students and officials in disbelief.
As the wait continued, aspiring School Members of Parliament took the stage to make their submissions. Igulu Asuman, vying for the School of Education seat, emphasized effective representation and advocating for students’ rights. Kaboyo Owen and Kato Kenneth, both contesting for the School of Law seat, promised to deliver on students’ needs, with Kato vowing to establish a SACCO to support struggling students.
Mawanda Derrick eventually arrived, leading an enthusiastic procession in light green reflector jackets. Katende Muhammad’s “orange army” made a grand entrance, with him assuring students of an inter-schools council to foster unity. Alinda Marvin, alias Camavinga, arrived with a massive entourage, accompanied by Uganda’s dancehall sensation Beenie Gunter. In a calm delivery, Alinda presented himself as an effective leader with a clear vision to enhance students’ welfare, boost the university’s sports sector, and enhance its visibility.
The campaigns concluded with Mawanda Derrick promising accountable leadership and highlighting plans to improve the university’s technological capacity through collaborations with tech giants. Mr. Mwanje Gideon, the Guild Electoral Committee’s Attorney General, expressed disappointment with the candidates’ poor time management but commended their precise presentations and the general peace that prevailed throughout the event.
As the outcome of the three-horse presidential election remains unpredictable, students await the fulfillment of promises made by the candidates, including scrapping the “harsh” mandatory possession of a 60% tuition payment status by students during semester early stages. The students are eager to see which candidate’s vision will resonate with them come election day.
“We are looking forward to seeing which candidate will deliver on their promises,” said a student who preferred anonymity. “The mandatory tuition payment status has been a major concern for many of us, and we hope the next guild president will address it.”
The guild presidential election is set to take place on April 26th, and students are eagerly anticipating the outcome.
