The impact of non-partisan politics in Makerere University Guild Elections

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of non-partisan politics on Makerere University guild elections. The study objectives were: i) to examine the political parties of affiliation in Makerere university guild elections, ii) to examine the reasons behind promotion of nonpartisan politics in Makerere university guild elections, and iii) to explore the impact of nonpartisan politics on Makerere university guild electoral process. The study used qualitative research methods that included interviews and observations to collect and analyse data, qualitative was collected from student leaders and university council members. Findings revealed that Findings revealed that candidates are affiliated to different political parties in the guild race and the most common ones are: National resistance movement (NRM), Forum Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Other political parties include: JEEMA and ANT. Opposition political parties were reported to be the most competitive parties in the guild race at Makerere University, as FDC was reported to have been the most competitive and of recent NUP has taken over. Students stand on the NRM ticket due to logistical support it gives to its candidates but short of that NRM wouldn’t be surviving in Makerere. The major reason for promotion of non partisan elections in Makerere University guild race was prevention of violence that has claimed lives of different students. Other reasons for nonpartisan politics are: elimination of election malpractices such as voter bribery and rigging and finally promotion of free and fair elections. The impacts of non partisan politics on Makerere university guild race are: non motivational, expensive, promotion of fair and free elections, promotion of peaceful competitive elections and choosing of candidates that best represent the interests of students. The study recommended that the University should draft favorable guidelines to continue support partisan elections as most of the student’s leaders showed no support for non-partisan elections as they reported them to be boring.