By Gerald Niyirinda
Dusabe Patience, a resident of Kiraro village, Rwigwe parish in Nyakabande Sub County, Kisoro district is the new President of Bafumbira All University Students Association (BAUSDA).
Dusabe is a Student at Kyambogo University offering Bachelor of Arts in Education (English and Literature).
She emerged victorious against Andrew Irimaso, a fourth year student at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) offering Medical Laboratory Science during an online voting exercise.
She becomes the first female President of the association in more than two decades since its formation.
BAUSDA is an organization that brings together all Bafumbira Students at various institutions of higher learning with the sole purpose of advocating for development, economically, socially and politically in the region.
The electoral commission chairperson Erasmus Mugabo says six representatives from each University across the country participated in the election process.
Dusabe Patience emerged the winner with 49 votes while her opponent Andrew Irimaso attained only 42 votes.
Mugabo says the election was conducted in a free and fair manner adding that any aggrieved part can come forward to claim redress.
While speaking to Voice of Muhabura, Dusabe says she is overjoyed at her luck in becoming the first female President of an Association that has seen mentored some of the greatest leaders from Kisoro district.
According to Dusabe, her first mandate as President is to advocate for more learning opportunities for the girl child. She says, more girls need to access affordable education if they are to live better and meaningful lives.
The victory of Dusabe however did not sit well with her opponent Irimaso Andrew who claims that the process was flawed.
Irimaso is demanding for a re-election because the time stipulated for the activity was not adequate.
“I do wish my opponent the best however I cannot stand by and agree with the elections. They were not conducted in fairness and I demand a re-election, Irimaso said
Former President of the association Moses Tuyambaze (2019-2020) says he is well pleased to see that a female has risen to the position of President, a feat which was formerly impossible.
Tuyambaze called on Dusabe to lead wisely and not to be overtaken by Moving winds of Politics but instead remain focused on her principles.
Rev. Herbert Mujabwami, a revered elder and patron of the association said it is important to maintain open communication with elders as they attempt to execute their vision because Elders offer wisdom and guidance in good and troubling times.
Discussion about this post