Ivan Ssempijja has been elected the new Guild President of Makerere University. He replaces Julius Kateregga.
In an a vote that was cast both physically and online, Ssempijja, a fourth-year student of Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery defeated two other candidates in the race. Ssempijja garnered 3,112 votes while his close rival Aaron Oguttu backed by the Kamwokya based National Unity Platform (NUP) obtained 1,833 votes. Edwine Bbosa Bwetuyita got 248 votes.
There was confusion before the winner was announced when the Chairperson of the University’s Electoral Commission, Jackson Twijukye failed to sign on the declaration form and went away with the stamp which created tension, however Twijukye declared Ssempijja a winner.
Ssempijja who was contesting as an independent candidate got a major boost when Judith Nalukwago, withdrew from the race and backed him.
Before polling day, two other candidates who include favourite Obedigue Derrick and Mackzzon Muhwezi also withdrew from the race for failing to meet requirements from the electoral commission.
Kiggundu however said the election was delayed by some technical glitches that disrupted the online voting, he says online voting went up to 6 pm. URN