AUUS Unveils Roadmap for 2025–2029 Executive Elections

By: Lawrence Mubiru 

The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) has officially announced the roadmap for its Executive Committee elections for the 2025–2029 term.

This move marks the beginning of an important leadership transition for the body in charge of overseeing and promoting university-level sports across the country.

The announcement, made in a circular signed by AUUS General Secretary Patrick Ssebuliba, details both the elective positions available and the procedures institutions must follow to present their candidates.

The elections are scheduled for September 26, 2025 at Uganda Christian University in Mukono.

For starters, the sitting president, Penninah Aligawesa Kabenge will not return for any elective position since she is now a retired tutor, however, she will serve as an ex-officio member of the committee according to the amended constitution.

Elective Positions:

The Executive Committee positions up for grabs include:

President (only open to sports tutors who have previously served on the executive)

1st Vice President

Vice President Technical

General Secretary

Assistant General Secretary

Treasurer

Two student representatives (one male, one female)

Five zonal representatives (only open to sports tutors)

Two representatives of the Deans of Students of AUUS (ensuring gender balance)

Nomination and Election Procedures

AUUS has set clear nomination rules aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and institutional backing.

1. Nomination letters must be submitted on official university letterheads, signed by the candidate’s immediate Head of Department or another senior authority.

2. These letters must be addressed to the AUUS General Secretary and submitted via official channels or hand-delivered at least one week before election day.

3. Separate elections will be conducted for each position to ensure fairness.

4. The Deans of Students and student representatives will be nominated and elected on the day of the elections.

Eligibility for Candidates:

To participate in the elections, institutions must meet strict eligibility requirements:

Only institutions in good standing, with all financial obligations to AUUS cleared to zero, will be allowed to field candidates.

Each institution can present a maximum of one candidate.

Candidates are allowed to contest for a maximum of two posts but can only be elected to one.

Proof of financial clearance must be attached to every nomination.

Why These Elections Matter

The AUUS plays a central role in nurturing talent and promoting sports across Ugandan universities. Over the years, it has been a stepping stone for athletes who have gone on to represent Uganda at the national and international levels, including at the World University Games under the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

Beyond competition, AUUS also champions values of discipline, leadership, and gender inclusivity, ensuring that both male and female student-athletes have a voice in the governance of university sports.

Observers note that the incoming executive will face the task of not only maintaining but also strengthening AUUS’s role in the wider sports ecosystem. This includes enhancing funding partnerships, improving infrastructure, and aligning university sports with national development goals outlined by the National Council of Sports (NCS).

In his statement, AUUS General Secretary Patrick Ssebuliba emphasized the importance of institutional participation and accountability:

 “These elections are not just about leadership but about setting a strong foundation for the growth of university sports in Uganda. We call upon all institutions to prepare their candidates in time and ensure compliance with the nomination guidelines.”

With the elections just weeks away, stakeholders in the university sports fraternity are gearing up for what promises to be a highly competitive process that could define the future of student sports in Uganda for the next four years.