By Ivan Tsebeni
Joel Okello Oyet, a third-year student of Bachelor of Laws, is the new Uganda Christian University (UCU) Law Society President. Oyet polled 46% of the votes, beating his closest rival, Dorothy Akatukunda, who garnered 30.36% in elections that were held in March.
Declaring Oyet the winner of the elections, David Waboga, the head of the electoral commission at the Law Society, said he was satisfied with the level of transparency exhibited in the polling process that was conducted virtually.
“It has been a tedious task, but my team has done it with passion,” Waboga said, noting that the polling officials showed “a lot of endurance.”
The announcement of the results threw Oyet and his campaign team into wild jubilation.
“I cannot find the right words to express my excitement,” he said. “I’m grateful to the Law Society for entrusting me with the mandate of serving the students.”
Oyet noted that he was fully aware that every leadership position comes with responsibilities and expectations, but emphasized that he will seek to work “together to deliver.”
First item on his agenda is helping students who have challenges of paying tuition, Oyet said.
“We are nearing the examination period but many students have not yet paid full tuition fees,” he said. “We intend to walk this journey together with everyone, to see that we all sit for exams.”
Asked how he intends to solve the problem, the 25-year-old said he would organize a campaign to solicit funds from other students to support those who were having challenges.
The campaign team of Dorothy Akatukunda, who emerged second in the race, conceded defeat and wished Oyet a successful term of office.
“Thank you, the electorates, for standing with us up to the last day,” the message read. “Thank you, the campaign team. We also congratulate the president-elect, Mr. Joel Okello Oyet, upon the milestone. We wish you the very best in your term of office.”
The other three candidates who contested for the position were Edrine Maseruka, who got 5.8% of the votes, Oscar Derrick Wafula (7%) and Jonathan Philimone Agabba who polled 10%.
Fred Burondwa was elected Vice President, Susan Owomugisha got the Speaker position, while Solomon Esadu is the Deputy Speaker. In the elections, Gloria Atuheire got the General Secretary position. Others chosen are Sianah Nsubuga Namazzi (Publicity Secretary), Irene Nakamatte (Deputy Publicity Secretary), Hillary Fimarubo (Academic Secretary), Brian Ayebare (Finance Secretary), Ann Beatrice Nansubuga (Organizing Secretary) and Rone Trevor Kawuma (Deputy Organizing Secretary).
The Law Society outgoing President, Elizabeth Tumwebaza, said the electoral process was as transparent as it could be. “I have been praying for better progress, and I hope the new leaders that God has given us will serve the people well,” Tumwebaza said.
Who is Oyet?
Oyet was born to Jackline and Simon Oyet in Nwoya, a district in northern Uganda. He attended primary school at St. Francis Ntinda Kigoowa in Kampala, but sat the Primary Leaving Examinations in Nwoya, at Anaka Primary School. For his secondary education, Oyet attended Our Lady of Africa Secondary School Namilyango, Comprehensive College, and Naalya SS.
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