Today, the student fraternity at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) went to the polls to elect their next Guild President in a closely contested race that drew significant attention across campus.
The election featured two candidates, Twinomugisha Conrad, popularly known as Jagaban, who ran as an independent, and Arimpa Kenneth, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Initially, three candidates had expressed interest in the position; however, Ssebutinde Barnabas of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was disqualified on allegationsthat he had a retake, which contravenes the guild constitution.
Notably, both nominated candidates hailed from the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST) at Kihumuro Main Campus, marking the first time in MUST’s history that finalists for the guild presidency have come from the same faculty.
According to the voting process, voter turnout was estimated at approximately 50% of the student population, with polling conducted peacefully across various stations. Observations from different polling centers indicated a smooth and orderly process throughout the day. By 5:00 PM, vote tallying had officially commenced.
Final results announced by the Electoral Commission Chairperson confirmed Twinomugisha Conrad as the winner, having secured 2,239 votes against Arimpa Kenneth’s 1,741 votes. He now assumes office as the 38th Guild President, succeeding the incumbent Ariho Lucky Rwabuturumba.
According to sources, Twinomugisha had initially intended to contest for the position of Guild Representative Councilor (GRC) before shifting his bid to the presidency, where he was widely viewed as an underdog during the early stages of the race.
This election marks the second phase of the current electoral cycle, following last week’s successful election of Guild Representative Councilors. The remaining processes include the election of the Guild Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which will complete the formation of the 38th Guild Council at MUST.
