Makerere University administration has postponed the March 2 guild elections until further notice, citing unpreparedness of the students’ electoral body to assemble the required polling materials.
The decision was reached at an emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon that was attended by Mr Cyrico Kabagambe the Dean of Students, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor and Mr Enock Abeine, the security officer.
“It has come to the attention of the university management that while the Guild Elections were scheduled to take place tomorrow, Friday, March 2, the process of putting in place the required materials has not been finalized, especially the appointment of the poling agents (assistants) by the electoral commission, selection of agents for candidates and clarity about the presidential candidates,” letter signed by Prof Nawangwe reads in part.
“Therefore, in accordance with Article 73 (1) of the Guild Constitution, the guild presidential elections are suspended till further notice,” the latter adds.
The suspension comes amid increasing cases of violence and hooliganism among rival candidates’ supporters. Certain rallies have often ended in exchange of brawls and stone-throwing among rival camps.
The university management has also suspended all EC ongoing activities and campaigns with immediate effect.
A total of 16 candidates were nominated for the guild presidential race but two of them, Bruno Bayube and Silver Kent, were on Wednesday disqualified for lack of academic requirements.
