A first-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student has shocked many at Makerere University after winning the Local Council One (LC1) Chairperson seat for Mitchell Hall in a remarkable 54-0 landslide victory. Musasizi Edrine defeated the incumbent Custodian during the nationwide LC1 elections held on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.The election at Mitchell Hall formed part of the countrywide village elections organised by the Electoral Commission.
More than 71,000 villages across Uganda participated in the exercise, which was conducted on a public holiday to allow eligible voters enough time to cast their ballots. At Makerere University, each hall of residence is recognised as a village under the Local Council system.Edrine, who is still in his first year at the College of Health Sciences, contested under the campaign slogan, “The Voice of the People.”
His campaign promised fresh leadership for the 2026–2031 term and focused on serving the interests of students living at Mitchell Hall.The young medical student secured all 54 votes cast, leaving his opponent without a single vote. The outcome surprised many because the incumbent Custodian was considered to have an advantage due to experience and an already established leadership role within the hall.Many students have described Edrine’s victory as a sign that residents wanted new leadership and fresh ideas.
Winning such overwhelming support while pursuing one of the university’s most demanding academic programmes has earned him admiration from fellow students and observers.Throughout his campaign, Edrine encouraged students to participate in the election and thanked his supporters using the Lusoga phrase “Mundabila nga daala,” expressing gratitude for the trust they placed in him. His message centred on unity, service, and representing the voices of residents.As LC1 Chairperson, Edrine will now lead the hall’s local leadership team, representing students on matters affecting their welfare, discipline, security, and communication with the university administration.
His leadership will also involve working closely with hall wardens to address residents’ concerns.Edrine’s impressive victory has become one of the standout stories from this year’s LC1 elections at Makerere University. It also reflects the changing face of grassroots leadership across Uganda, where many communities have elected new leaders following the long-awaited nationwide village elections.
