7 blocked from Makerere guild race

Makerere University Senate has blocked seven students from contesting for the position of guild president.

They are: Omollo Jinah Noah, Nassala Brian, Luwalwa Frank, Kiyingi Dennis, Kalyango Shafik, Nviiri Sos Peta and Sekidde Nicholas.

The commission's general secretary, Wankandya Simon Peter, said the seven students had not met the requirements for standing for the post.

"For one not to be blocked, he or she should be having a CGPA of not less than 2.8. He or she should not be having a re-take,'' he said.

For qualification to be a candidate, a student also should have been a serving member of the guild executive for at least two semesters consecutively.

According to the election programme, campaigns have begun on Monday 29 (today) and will end on March 10 with a mega rally at the university's Freedom Square.

Voting will take place on March 11.

Those that have been cleared to stand are Luyinda Fred (Go Forward), Ainomugisha Dick Rogers (FDC), Ssemboga Roy (UYD), Ssenyonga Simon (Independent), Bainomugisha Abel Mandela Nkunda (NRM), Nsubuga Umar (independent), Biddemu Bazil Mwota (Independent) and Kasozi Ismail (Independent).

Makerere University electoral commission chairperson Ndaula Roy asked candidates and their supporters to avoid situations that will ignite chaos.

"We are appealing to them to remain calm and follow the electoral guidelines," he told New Vision after the nomination exercise.

He said they are in negotiations with a number of companies to make sure that the process is sponsored and publicized.