Members of the Uganda Journalists Association lined up to vote for new members of the executive who will serve a two-year term.
After voting ended in the early afternoon, the counting of the ballots started. Two candidates were tussling out on the post of President of the body that was founded by Kintu Musoke and Charlies Binaisa in 1963.
Kazibwe Bashir Mbazira scored 223 votes and his supporters broke out in a shout of excitement. The other contender Abubaker Lubowa had 214 votes.
Three people contested for the post of Vice President and the only lady in this race Mercy Lugemwa emerged victor with 177 votes.
She was followed by Mathius Rukundo with 128 votes and Isaac Katende Kasuku came third with 105 votes.
Security was tightened at the venue with Policemen on the alert. Earlier on, the members of the association told NTV what qualities they were looking for in their next leaders.
“Should be able to fight for me in case I have a problem, he should be willing like he should be our voice; willing to talk on behalf of us.” Said, Rebecca Kyobutungi – Journalist. “We need somebody that has organizational skills and most of all to bring us together to foster unity amongst journalists in Uganda.” Said, Wilson Kiyonga – Journalist.
The candidates also spoke of their plans for the association over the next two years. “We are going to be putting up several structures from Kampala to all regions so that we can know the number of journalists who are operating in the country from Kampala to Gulu.” Said, Kazibwe Bashir Mbazira – President-Elect, Uganda Journalists Association.“We want to handle the issue of disunity.
Right now journalists have different thinking pages, we are not thinking on the same page.” Said, Abubaker Lubowa – Presidential Candidate, UJA.
A previous election in 2013 was marred by allegations of rigging. The other winners also celebrated their victory.
"We have not come to fight anyone, we have not come to point out anyone but we have come to work. We need unity, we need to work with togetherness and then we shall put UJA at the top.” Said, Mohammed Ssendegeya – Executive Member, UJA Central Region.
