In the hallowed halls of Makerere University, where history echoes through every corridor, a new chapter is about to unfold. The stage is set, the candidates are poised, and the air crackles with anticipation as the Guild Electoral Commission Chairperson, Ramadhan Kirunda, issues a resounding call to all contenders.
With the prestigious Guild elections slated for March 7th, 16 eager souls are stepping into the ring, eyes fixed on the coveted title of Guild President. But this event is not just about one position—it’s a symphony of democracy where students will also vote for School Guild representatives, Halls Guild voices, College Guild council members, and more.
For the fourth time running, Makerere is embracing the digital realm for its electoral dance, a move sparked by necessity and sealed by a solemn vow to keep the campus safe amidst the lingering shadow of COVID-19. The decision to shift permanently online was etched in the university’s annals after a heart-wrenching incident involving a student from Uganda Christian University during the tumultuous physical campaigns of 2022.
The University Council, custodian of this academic bastion, swiftly decided to draw the curtain on traditional rallies, citing the paramount need for social distancing and the safety of its cherished denizens. But that wasn’t all. There was a deeper motive, a quiet yearning to hush the roar of political tides that often crashed upon the Guild’s shore, threatening to divide the student fraternity.
Yet, amidst this digital revolution, whispers of wayward campaigns have tainted the air, accusations of rules bent and affiliations with political giants. Kirunda, the vigilant sentinel of fair play, raised his voice like a clarion call, warning all who dare to skirt the regulations. For those caught in the tangled web of party lines, the stakes are high—disqualification, perhaps even the dreaded specter of suspension looming like a dark cloud.
Since the gates opened wide in January, hopeful hearts have poured forth their aspirations, dreams of serving their peers and leaving an indelible mark on Makerere’s tapestry. Yet, only 16 have ascended the official podium of Guild President hopefuls, each armed with visions of a brighter, bolder future for their alma mater.
In the digital arena, where every click counts and every pixel holds a promise, challenges have emerged like ghosts in the machine. Low voter turnouts, glitches in the matrix of online voting—these are the trials that await. But fear not, for Kirunda, with unwavering resolve, assures both candidates and voters alike that the gears of election tech have been finely tuned for a seamless and secure ballot.
As the campus pulsates with the beat of democratic fervor, Makerere stands tall, a beacon of academia and democracy intertwined. With over 30,000 voices ready to echo through the virtual ballot boxes, and the steadfast hand of election rules guiding each step, the stage is set for a spectacle that promises not just a Guild President, but a testament to the spirit of Makerere itself.
