KAS

On the 13th April 2016, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted the first major guild presidential debate. Eight Candidates took to the floor to debate on crucial policies and issues affecting the students and how they would address them.

The opening remarks by the KAS Programme Officer briefly hinted on the rationale for KAS’ continued support to youth political engagement in Uganda. Through such platforms, he emphasized, “Students get the opportunity to nurture their political acumen thereby developing their potential to become the transformational leaders that Uganda so much desires”.

The debators where then given a platform to give introductory remarks within a three minutes time frame. During this session, the candidates gave remarks paving way for an extremely insightful debate session.

Okello Malcolm, a Medical Student under his campaign slogan #MUST Governance opened the debate by calling upon students to join him in the struggle of fighting for their rights by voting for him. “I will be a leader who fights for you until the end”, he remarked. Malcolm also reiterated the need for creating effective student leadership which responds to the needs of the students. Mugumya Dickens also emphasized his efforts in improving service delivery by ensuring that lectures start on time and students are offered an opportunity to have exchange programme with other universities in Uganda and beyond. Moses Ntege, another presidential aspirants called upon students to vote for because he will connect some to organizations which will offer internship opportunities. “As an entrepreneur, I will use my connection and networks to convince some organizations to offer internships to some of our brilliant students”, he said.

Rebecca Aber, the only lady in the guild race began her remarks by making a powerful remark that quietened the hall. She said, “Somebody said Yes We can. But Today I implore you to ask the question – How can we”. This gave Rebecca a platform to convince students that she was a leader who would not only promote intellectual engagements by supporting clubs like the Debating Club but also convince the University administration to equip the library with new books on trending topics and issues which are affecting the world. Tonny Lumanyika also called upon students to support him because he has vast experience in leadership and he will offer a forum to build a BETTER MUST. Okwir Denis, with his “Assured” promise emphasized his ability to revolutionize the student leadership at the University by introducing innovative programmes like academic debates and exchanges for the students. Collins Tuhairwe, another guild contestant promised to champion transparency and honesty in handling all the affairs of the students. The highlight of the debate was pinned by Obore Charles who hinted on the need to create space and a strong advocacy in the University using formal students associations. He promised to make the different associations and clubs at the University more vibrant by convincing the University to prioritize them as significant stakeholders in the affairs of the University.

The second half of the debate afternoon which was a Q&A session mostly revolved around how students would fulfil the promises they had made. Most of the candidates responded by noting that they will work closely with the University administration. It was perhaps, Charles Obore won the hearts of debaters with his story of championing the rights of government sponsored students at the University. "When I came here as a government sponsored student, I was appalled by the problems government students were facing. Problems like delayed faculty and other allowances were so common. As such, I started a movement which gave birth the MUST Government Students' Association". He said. "This is a testament of my promise for a better MUST". He reiterated.

Collins Tuhairwe also offered offered a very nuanced answer to most questions which attracted rousing applauses from students. He emphasized the need for students to demand for what belongs to them and he said he will support students in their efforts to put every stakeholder at the University on the radar and make them accountable to the governance and administration of the University.