There was tension yesterday at Kabale University during the transition to the new student guild leadership, when the Guild President elect Christine Barigye refused to receive the instruments of power from the vice guild president after most of the outgoing guild members boycotted the function.
Ms Barigye declined to receive the tools of office from Vice President Daphine Asimire, citing “disrespect.”
Of the 26 members of the outgoing guild cabinet, only 3 turned up, namely; VP Asimire, Jovia Bambu and Nada Ingabire.
Just recently, the old guild boycotted the swearing in ceremony that was held on 8th May, protesting the newly elected Speaker Evaristo Nsegimana and unpaid allowances.
Mrs Barigye took offense of the group’s actions and condemned her predecessor Bosco Muhwezi.
“They are being stubborn; we have waited for this hand over for the last two weeks, only for him to send his vice? I will not take the tools,” she fumed.
It took the intervention of Professor Ezra Mishambi Twesigomwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor who reprimanded the old guild for trying to abuse the guild constitution.
After deliberations, Mrs Barigye reluctantly agreed to receive the office from Asimire amid condemnation of her predecessor.
Prof. Mishambi advised the new cabinet to put what happened behind them and work toward developing the university.