National Resistance Movement candidate, Justus Drake Kyarikunda has been declared the 10th Guild President of Kabale University following a closely contested election held on March 21, 2026.
Kyarikunda secured victory with 1,209 votes, defeating his closest rival, Anxious Niwamanya, who garnered 1,038 votes. Osbert Akandwanaho came third with 773 votes, while Joshua Munezero finished last with 42 votes. The margin of victory stood at 171 votes.
According to Electoral Commission Chairperson Ngambagye Jethero, a total of 7,776 students were registered to vote, but only 3,132 ballots were cast, reflecting a relatively low voter turnout. Of these, 3,062 votes were declared valid, while 70 were invalid.
Jethero noted that the election process was generally free and fair, although isolated cases of malpractice were detected. Some students attempted to use photocopied ballot papers and forged Electoral Commission stamps.
He explained that all ballot papers lacking official watermarks or authentic commission stamps were rejected during the counting process.
He commended students for maintaining order and cooperating with election officials, as well as the university administration for ensuring tight security throughout the exercise.
However, he expressed concern over the low participation rate, urging students to take a more active role in leadership processes.
The Electoral Commission also announced that Guild Representative Council (GRC) elections will take place on March 28, 2026, with plans to improve voter mobilization through enhanced communication strategies.
In his victory speech, Kyarikunda thanked students for their trust and support, pledging to serve all learners without bias. He promised to deliver inclusive leadership and work diligently to advance student interests and the development of the university.
“I will work hard to prove wrong those who doubted me and ensure that all students benefit from this leadership,” he said.
Kyarikunda succeeds Mukamawenka Edwine, who won the 2024 guild presidency under the NRM ticket with 1,011 votes, defeating Jonathan Akampurira.
Kabale University has also recently shifted its guild election calendar from the first semester to the second semester of the academic year, a move that may have influenced this year’s voter turnout.
