Who will be MUASA's next chairperson?

PIC: MUASA's outgoing chairman Dr Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke

MAKERERE | MUASA POLLS

Makerere University is in an upbeat mood as members of MUASA (Makerere University Academic Staff Association) prepare to elect their new executive tomorrow morning.

According to the chairman of the association's electoral commission, Muhammad Ntale, voting will be at 11 polling centres at the University's colleges.

The exercise will start at 9:00m. The official tallying of the votes will subsequently take place at the Senior Staff Canteen, starting at 2:00pm.  Voting will be by secret ballot. 

As a precursor to the elections, the association's electoral commission organised a debate on Thursday, during which the candidates were given a general opportunity to present their manifestos to their voters.

The highly contested position, nonetheless, proved to be that of the association's chairperson, which attracted three candidates. So, who is likely to grab the chair?

PIC: Dr Nkabala

Dr Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Candidate for MUASA Chair)
She is a senior lecturer at the Center of Peace Studies and the only female candidate.  During her presentation, Nambalirwa pledged to recapture the ancient glory of the university, by substituting strikes with constructive dialogue as a strategy for resolving disputes. "I want to reconstruct bridges of peace. We are tired of strikes," she said. Nambalirwa also promised to negotiate for better retirement packages for the retirees. "It is unacceptable to give a professor sh200,000 as monthly pension. It is also unrealistic to give relatives of a dead staff sh50,000 for a coffin because I don't think that coffin can be got anywhere."

PIC: Dr. Kiwuuwa

Dr Fredrick Luggya Kiwuuwa (for MUASA Chair)
He is one evidently the youngest candidate. Kiwuuwa vowed to put an end to the increasing mistrust among the association's members, to which he attributed the association's failed strikes. Interestingly, Kiwuuwa believes in industrial action as the effective tool to make hard leaders listen. But he believes that the strikes must be championed by focused leaders if they are to achieve their goals. He also holds the belief that strikes have no necessity if the association has focused negotiating teams.

PIC: Dr. Muhwezi

Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi (for MUASA Chair)
Deus Kamunyu is another interesting fire-brand candidate. He stands for good governance, unity and transformation of Makerere University. He pledged to strengthen the negotiations with government aimed at achieving the Presidential pledge of sh15m for a professor.  He also promised to push for better packages for the retiring members our retiring members and also, to ensure that retirement benefits are effectively administered.  He further promised to work towards better working conditions, functional common rooms at unit level and teacher student rations. He also pledged to oversee the timely implementation of the approved medical insurance scheme 2018/2019 and open negotiations on its scope and inclusiveness.

Other candidates
-Dr Christopher Muganga (Vice-Chairman)
-Associate Prof Mwavu (Vice-Chairman)
-Dr Michael Walimbwa (General Secretary)
-Robert Kakuru (General Secretary)
-John Mushomi (Vice Secretary General)
-Dr Geoffrey Nuwagaba (Vice-Secretary General)
-Dr Lawrence Mugisha
-Allan Ochieng (Public and External Relations Committee Chairman)
-Chris Kitale (Treasurer)
-Dr Eric Nzibonera (Treasurer)
-Hussein Oria (Treasurer)

Out-going Chairman tips Candidates
The out-going Chairman of the association, Dr Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, asked all the candidates to give utmost priority to the restoration of the glorious image of the university and its alumni. "In all your activities, please always remember those that have gone through the gates of Makerere and give them the pride and joy to remember the same gates."