Nakazibwe Daisy
The swearing-in ceremony of Mawanda Derrick as the newly elected Guild President of Nkumba University was disrupted by protests led by supporters of former Guild Presidential aspirants Alinda Marvin and Katende Mohamed.
The protests stemmed from a petition filed by Alinda and Katende, challenging the eligibility of Atuna Sabrine Henry, the Chairperson Electoral Commission, citing her failure to submit an annual report during her application process. The petitioners also questioned her academic credentials, alleging she had accumulated nine retakes since her first year.
The Guild Attorney General, Mwajje Gideon, dismissed the petition, citing the “de minimis” doctrine, which suggests that technicalities should yield to practical common sense. “This is a small matter, and as lawyers, we know that of small things, the law knows no cure,” Mwanje said.
Despite the dismissal, the petitioners caused a commotion at the Mpanga Library, prompting the Vice Chancellor to call for harmony. “Those in disagreement should be guided out to allow for a peaceful ceremony,” he urged.
Under tight security, Mawanda eventually took oath as the 31st Guild President of Nkumba University. The ceremony proceeded with a full house, despite the initial disruptions.
The incident highlights the contentious nature of student politics at Nkumba University, where electoral disputes can sometimes spill over into public demonstrations.
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