Kyambogo University has announced the suspension of its 2024/2025 Guild Elections, initially scheduled for October 17, citing multiple procedural challenges and unresolved conflicts. In a statement delivered by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, the university outlined its reasoning for the decision and the steps management will take moving forward.
Background and Reasons for Suspension
According to Prof Katunguka, the Guild election process officially began on September 2, 2024, when the Guild President and the Guild Representative Council (GRC) formed the Guild Electoral Commission, as per Article 17, Clause 2(a) of the Guild Constitution. However, a series of logistical and administrative setbacks soon complicated the electoral timeline, necessitating the suspension:
- Logistical Delays in Ballot Paper Printing
The electoral commission initially indicated that the election would be held on October 17. However, a notification on October 16 from the Guild Electoral Commission chairperson informed university management that ballot papers would not be ready by this date. The delay stemmed from a lag in gathering candidate details, which was essential to complete the printing process. - Unaddressed Candidate Petitions
Several Guild candidates raised petitions challenging various aspects of the electoral process. These concerns, filed just days before the scheduled election, had yet to be resolved, adding further complications to an already pressured timeline. - Internal Conflicts and Dismissals within the Electoral Commission
Management reported internal conflicts within the commission, including the recent dismissal of the Secretary and one Commissioner. These departures came at a critical stage of the election process, further weakening the commission’s organizational capabilities. - Disqualification and Legal Action by Presidential Candidates
Three presidential candidates were disqualified just days before the election. One of these candidates took legal action, filing Miscellaneous Cause No. 213 of 2024 in the High Court of Uganda, which remains unresolved.
Management’s Decision and Next Steps
In light of these issues, Kyambogo University management made the following resolutions:
- Election Suspension and Investigation
Management has suspended the Guild Elections until further notice and formed an Adhoc Committee to investigate the conduct of the 2024/2025 electoral process. The committee will also address pending petitions filed by the candidates. - Interim Caretaker Government
An interim caretaker government will be appointed under Article 7, Clause 4 of the Guild Constitution to maintain guild operations until the elections can proceed. - Maintaining the Academic Calendar
The Vice Chancellor assured students that the academic calendar remains unchanged, and upcoming exams will proceed as scheduled. “Suspending the elections will allow students ample time to prepare for the forthcoming examinations and ensure a conducive examination environment,” he said.
Prof. Katunguka urged students to remain calm and cooperative as the university seeks an amicable solution to the ongoing issues. The university emphasized that the electoral process had been managed by the Guild Electoral Commission with oversight from the Office of the Dean of Students.
