Michelle Kirabo Becomes Second Guild President In Victoria University History

Michelle Kirabo, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies student saw off competition from Abdul-Basit Kasimagwa, to become the second female guild president in the history of Victoria University.

Mariah Peggy Nabunya became the first female guild president at Victoria University in 2017 when she took over from Peter Isiko to become the University’s fourth guild president.

Kirabo, who now take over from outgoing Serebe Denis, got 461 (74.8%) votes to defeat Kasimagwa who managed only 25.2% (155 votes) in the two-horse guild race that saw students vote using an online application.  The app allowed students to vote using their phones, laptops, and tablets.

The 2022 Victoria University guild polls saw the institution conduct its first-ever online elections, an initiative that attracted attention from the public over its credibility, transparency, and integrity.

Kirabo promised to be more practical than theoretical and to work hand in hand with everyone at Victoria University to prioritize students’-based leadership. She plans to set up a Guild Fund to help needy students who cannot afford tuition.

The University Academic Registrar Ms. Precious Aturinda who managed the voting process from start to finish said the VU Elections app said that the electronic voting system was designed to promote transparency and integrity and to promote democratic elections at the university.

The Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga also described using of the electronic voting system as a great milestone. He said that contenders were able to count their votes in real-time and get results.