By Jamillah Kemigisa
In a powerful testament to student unity and belief in substance over appearance, Francis Byakagaba Muhumuza—affectionately known as FBM—has been elected the 19th Guild President of Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Fort Portal. His election marks a significant moment in the university’s history, defying expectations and challenging stereotypes.
FBM, a student from the School of Public Health, secured a commanding victory with 608 votes, outpacing his closest contender, Muhindo Victor Samuel, who received 479 votes. Other candidates, Akugizibwe Nathan and Alinaitwe Godfrey, garnered 195 and 139 votes respectively, while 30 ballots were declared invalid. In total, 1,394 students participated in the election.
Despite being underestimated by some due to his small physical stature, FBM’s leadership vision and connection with the student body proved decisive. Reflecting on his win, he remarked:
“It has not been an easy race, but by God’s grace and the will of the students, we have come to success. I’m grateful that they saw leadership in me regardless of my small size.”
The election process was praised for its transparency and credibility. According to Mutembuzi Michael, Chairperson of the 19th Guild Electoral Commission, the election was conducted in a fair and inclusive manner.
“All votes were transparently counted and tallied in the presence of observers,” Michael said. “The number of students who voted matched the number of ballot papers issued, which proves the credibility of the election. We are proud to have conducted an election where every student’s voice was heard.”
FBM extended his appreciation to the students, the electoral commission, and the university administration, emphasizing that the victory was a collective achievement.
“I thank the entire student community for their trust and support. This victory is not mine alone—it’s for every student who believes in change, vision, and courage,” he said.
Mountains of the Moon University, situated in the heart of Fort Portal Tourism City, is one of Uganda’s leading public universities. Established in 2005 and officially incorporated into the government education system in 2022, MMU has become a hub of academic excellence, community engagement, and leadership development. It serves students from the Rwenzori sub-region and beyond, offering diverse programs in education, business, agriculture, science, and information technology.
This year’s guild elections not only showcased the democratic vitality of MMU’s student body but also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing inclusive and visionary leadership.
FBM’s victory sends a resounding message across MMU and the wider academic community: true leadership is defined not by physical stature, but by character, conviction, and the capacity to inspire collective progress.
