The High Court of Uganda has ruled in favour of Bwete Tonney, a candidate in the 2024 Kyambogo University Guild elections, after he challenged his disqualification, Campus Bee has learnt.
Bwete, a student who had been nominated to run in the university’s guild elections, was disqualified by the chairperson of the electoral commission, Ssembatya Axam. Bwete argued that his disqualification was executed unlawfully and without proper authority as mandated by the Kyambogo University Guild Constitution. According to court documents, Bwete was informed of the decision via a WhatsApp message at 2 a.m. on October 15, 2024, only days before the election on October 17.
The court found that the disqualification lacked procedural integrity, noting that Bwete was not afforded a fair hearing, which contravened principles outlined in Article 9 of the university’s electoral regulations. The judge ruled that the electoral commission, led by Ssembatya, had overstepped its jurisdiction by bypassing the necessary approval process involving the tribunal.
Bwete, represented by Alto Advocates, had previously presented all required documents, including proof of normal academic progress, during his nomination on September 23, 2024. His disqualification sparked concern as it allegedly did not involve the Electoral Commission Secretary and was communicated through an informal channel without proper review. The court’s ruling included an order to quash the disqualification decision and reinstate Bwete’s candidacy.
Kyambogo University has been instructed to revise its processes to ensure fairness and uphold student rights in future elections.
