education 27 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Makerere Guild Debate Halted Amid Supporter Clashes Ahead of Elections
Tensions boiled over at Makerere University's 92nd Guild presidential debate on March 27, 2026, leading to its suspension after rival supporters clashed. The incident involved backers of candidates Gracious Kadondi and Hannah Karema, prompting security intervention and a promise of a rescheduled event. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/makerere-guild-debate-suspended-after-clashes-among-rival-supporters-5405758
A presidential debate for Makerere University’s 92nd Guild elections was abruptly stopped on Friday after chaos broke out among supporters of competing candidates. The event, held in the main hall and organized by the university’s electoral commission, had just begun when disorder erupted roughly an hour in.
Electoral Commission chairperson Maureen Owomugisha confirmed a new date would be set, noting that the gathering had successfully started before the disruption. The trouble started right after incumbent Miss Uganda Hannah Karema finished her manifesto presentation. Supporters of Gracious Kadondi, linked to the National Unity Platform, began chanting and advancing with posters toward rival groups.
Security quickly escorted the 13 candidates and officials out as the confrontation escalated, spilling outside the hall. University staff expressed frustration, with one remarking that students had failed to learn from past issues. Prior to the chaos, candidates like Kadondi highlighted demands for campus freedoms, while Karema focused on welfare issues such as health and academics. Mike Mujuzi called for reclaiming the university’s intellectual legacy.
This incident echoes previous violence that led to a ban on open campaigning, lifted by Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe in October 2025 to encourage dialogue. Officials called for calm as the electoral roadmap continues, featuring more debates, mock polls on April 7, voting on April 9, and results on April 10.