By Mulengera Reporters
On Wednesday 15th April, hundreds of students will go to polls to choose the new Guild President for Ernest Cook University for the 2026/2027.
In existence now for 23 years, the science-based University is located in Mengo along Balintuma Road, not very far from Bulange Mengo. They are neighbours with Gombe Hospital and Ndejje University except that Ernest Cook University strictly offers science courses right from diplomas, bachelors and all the way to graduate programs.
The rapidly-growing University, which remains the very best in the region when it comes to the much-needed radiology training, is headed by Prof Michael Grace Kawooya who serves as its Vice Chancellor.
For the last three weeks, physical and virtual campaigns have been ongoing with four students vying for the position of Guild President.
According to the Electoral Commission Chairman Deogratius Given Okodi, these are Kigen Azariah, Ian Jonathan Baseke, Joan Veronica Naggombe and David Malaba Ngwabe.
On Friday, the Electoral Commission organized a candidates debate during which the four contestants were given the platform to lay out their respective agendas and to also answer direct questions from the electorate, aimed at testing their intellectual alertness and capability. They gave their views about governance events in the country and also how they intend to address fellow students’ welfare concerns at Ernest Cook University.
It was an opportunity for the different candidates to demonstrate their intellectual wits, swag and vibe when it comes to public speaking.
Their respective supporters made processions on the University premises and more so Block D where the televised debate was held. It was an afternoon of enjoyment and trumpeting for the hundreds of their supporters.
And besides thanking candidates for the maturity they have exhibited thus far, Mr. Okodi observes that the campaigning period has so far been peaceful and adds that they are ready to deliver credible, free and fair elections in which at least 75% of the 3,000 students Ernest Cook University has, are expected to participate.
Okodi chairs a committee of five members and its them who are being looked at to deliver the much-anticipated elections credibly. The dean of students Ms Juliana Nyombi and the Guild Patron are heavily involved in overseeing the exercise to ensure everything goes well.
OTHER SLOTS:
Besides the Guild President, who upon victory is mandated to appoint his Vice President and the Assistant General Secretary for the Guild, Okodi’s Electoral Commission is obliged to conduct elections for 58 GRCs and other positions.
You have a total of 21 students vying or competing for the different positions. And these include the Guild Speaker, General Secretary, Finance Minister, Sports Minister, Information Minister, Health Minister, Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister, On & Off Campus Minister, Academics Minister, International Affairs Minister and Social Affairs Minister.
The candidates contending for these positions include Diana Nansubuga Constence, Ring Mark Monydhar, Zacharia Anania Miligo, Ian Edson Kasozi, Joe Emiaru Eingu, Polite Arinanye, Arnold Muwanguzi, Mary Gloria Nanyonjo, Herman Kakinda, Michael Abeneitwe, Dalvin Murungi, Elizabeth Tumusiime, Jonathan Mubiru, Asia Husina Namubiru, Esther Kwagala, Sarah Nakabugo Mirundi and Simon Kalumuna. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com). 
