Mbarara, Uganda: The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Ariho Lucky Rwabuturumba, has been elected as the 37th Guild President of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Ariho, a fourth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student, garnered 2,150 votes, while Mr Ssebyatika, a second-year Bachelor of Science student, polled 1,451 votes.
His victory marks a significant milestone for NUP, reflecting the party’s growing influence in student politics across Uganda. He defeated Henry Ssebyatika of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), highlighting the dynamic political engagement within MUST.
The NUP Principal, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among the first to applaud the MUST medical student upon his landmark election with a congratulatory post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Congratulations, comrade @lucky_ariho, upon your victory as Guild President of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)! Thank you for carrying the @NUP_Ug flag with courage and pride,” Mr Wine posted on Friday evening, shortly after Ariho’s declaration.
“Now that you have won, please be on your guard against the many traps that will be laid for you to betray the people’s struggle for freedom. I charge you to remain vigilant at all times!”
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, also extended his congratulations to Comrade Ariho, stating, “Congratulations, Ariho Lucky Rwabuturumba on your election as Guild President of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Go serve your colleagues with distinction.”
During his campaign, Ariho emphasized transformative leadership, inclusivity, and student empowerment.
As Guild President, Ariho is expected to address key student concerns, including academic resources, accommodation, and representation in university governance.
Political analysts say his leadership will be closely watched as an indicator of NUP’s broader appeal among Uganda’s youth, given that Mbarara is known to be loyal to the ruling NRM government.
DailyExpress understands that the swearing-in for Airho as newly elected Guild President is scheduled for April 15, 2025, where he will officially assume his role, taking over from the 36th GP, H.E Arinda Daisy, who completed her term of office.
