Onekgiu wins Gulu University guild presidency in tight race

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A second-year student from the Faculty of Education at Gulu University, Pius Onekgiu, has been elected the 25th guild president after a closely contested race that drew significant student participation.

Onekgiu secured victory with 1,294 votes, defeating four other candidates in the election on April 18, 2026, that initially featured six contenders. One candidate, Shadad Muhindo, withdrew from the race, citing personal reflection.

Fred Okot Kidega finished second with 1,131 votes, followed by Treasure Emmanuel Tumusiimwe, who garnered 684 votes. Fahad Aziz came fourth with 226 votes, while Dicken Okwir trailed with 214 votes.

Campaign built on student support fund

Onekgiu’s campaign centred on a bold proposal to convert the sh50m allocated for guild activities into a financial support fund for students struggling with tuition.

He proposed that students unable to pay fees would still be allowed to sit exams by borrowing money against personal valuables such as laptops, phones or bedding.

The idea gained traction among financially constrained students. However, questions remain about how guild activities will be funded if the allocation is redirected.

Women representatives elected

In the race for the woman representative to the Guild Representative Council, Janet Suubi Nalubega and Precious Kansimwe emerged victorious among three contenders vying for two positions.

Suubi led with 2,112 votes, while Kansimwe secured 1,536 votes, earning them the mandate to represent female students at the university council.

Electoral body commends process

Dan Tusabe, the university’s electoral returning officer, announced the results after tallying and praised students for the high voter turnout. He affirmed that the election process was free and fair.

Tusabe noted that the official swearing-in date for the new guild leadership will be communicated after the first council meeting scheduled for May, during which the speaker will be elected.

The university administration will then determine the formal handover date.

Outgoing president reflects on tenure

Outgoing 24th guild president, Alex Opiyo Ongom, acknowledged that his tenure faced setbacks, including court disputes arising from election petitions. He admitted that his initial reliance on demonstrations as a tool for advocacy evolved over time.

Ongom emphasised the importance of dialogue with university authorities, noting that engagement often yields more sustainable solutions for student concerns.

He urged the incoming leadership to prioritise service delivery, highlighting that the guild’s 10-month term often limits the full implementation of initiatives.

“Leadership is about continuity and impact,” Ongom said, calling on Onekgiu’s administration to build on existing efforts and focus on tangible outcomes for students.