Uganda: South Sudanese students union elects new leaders

December 20, 2015 (KAMPALA) – The South Sudanese students union in Kampala, Uganda has elected Albino Akol Akol as the association’s new president for 2016.

Three other candidates for the top most post were disqualified by the students’ electoral body for commission after failing to meet academic requirements.

Stephen Mabor, a former minister of information for the union, told Sudan Tribune the trio were dismissed for failing to fulfill the necessary constitutional requirements.

According to South Sudan Students Union Act, anyone found to have failed some papers is not eligible to contest for the post of presidency at the association.

The outgoing leader said elections were free and fairly conducted by the union.

“As the leadership of 2014-2015, we have tried our best to serve the South Sudanese students community in Uganda with equality under the wise leadership of Makuei Aguer Adel and we expect the same way,” said Mabor.

Over the years, however, the union has been in the spotlight over corruption practices.

Mabor admitted corruption exists in the students union, but called on the new regime to work hard and improve the image of the association in Uganda.

“Today the leadership shall work and do more on fights against corruption within the students union, which has been an Ebola infection in previous regimes,” he said.

Mabor says the former leadership of the union welcomed the strong support provided by the South Sudanese embassy to Uganda who has stood firm, despite ongoing conflicts among the communities and students union in Kampala.

Established in 2007, the South Sudanese students union in Uganda is an umbrella association that brings together all students from various colleges and universities.

(ST)