Electoral reforms highlight AUUS Extra Ordinary Meeting ahead of polls

The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) held an extraordinary assembly at Makerere University’s Ivory Tower, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history.

The major highlights of the meeting were constitution amendment. However, much focus was on electoral reforms, introducing key changes to the executive committee’s structure and eligibility criteria for presidential candidates.

A major highlight of the reforms is the creation of five representation posts at the executive committee, based on regions.

The Central, Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern elective positions aim to promote inclusivity and representation from across the country, as mandated by the new 2023 Sports Act.

The assembly also resolved that presidential candidates must have served on the executive committee in any capacity, regardless of longevity.

This move seeks to ensure that leaders have relevant experience and exposure.

With the electoral assembly scheduled for September 26 at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, the AUUS is set to usher in a new era of leadership.

A total of 90 delegates from 30 member universities will gather to elect a new president, bringing an end to Peninah Aligawesa Kabenge’s two-decade-long reign.

Kabenge, a trailblazer in Ugandan university sports, has served five terms as AUUS president.

She was also the head of sports and recreation at Makerere University and the first female vice president of the International University Sports Federation.

The electoral roadmap will be released today, with electoral vetting, criteria, and procedures to be streamlined by regulations and bylaws confirmed on Monday.

Each university will be represented by three delegates: student representatives, sports tutors, and deans of students.

The stage is set for a historic poll that will shape the future of university sports in Uganda.