Uganda Police fired bullets and teargas to disperse jubilant Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) students in Mbale district following the conclusion of their guild elections where Yusuf Welunga, an alleged People Power aligned candidate emerged winner.
The scuffle started shortly after the IUIU Guild Electoral Commission chairperson, Mr Gava Kasango declared the results of the polls that were held and announced Mr Welunga as the winner.
The IUIU security officer, Ratib Juma said police used tear gas and bullets to disperse the students so to minimize the confusion and unease in the university premises. He said following Weluga’s victory, happy students swarmed all over the campus creating excessive tension.
According to some of the students, the election pitted Ugandan students against their colleagues from Somalia, who they accused of dominating the student leadership for a very long time.
Moses Wangolo, another third-year Mass Communication student, said international students have been winning the guild elections in the past years because of disunity among Ugandan students.
Welunga, a student of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) scooped 1277 votes while Abdul Aziz managed only 502 votes. Welunga during his campaign emphasized forming the students union government that will serve the needs of students.
Ms Fatuma Nakibuule was declared winner for the position of Vice Guild President after beating Halima Ahmad with 509 votes to 411.
