education 30 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Key Strategies to Win or Lose Makerere Guild Presidential Race
The Makerere University Guild presidential election hinges on support from major colleges, halls of residence, political affiliations, and activism trends, pitting NUP-backed Gracious Kadondi against former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema Tumukunde in a tight contest among 13 candidates. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-makerere-guild-election-can-be-won-lost-5407564
Factors Shaping the Makerere Guild Election
The race for the 92nd Guild President at Makerere University, set for April 9, 2024, involves over 30,000 students selecting a new leader after the dissolution of Churchill Ssentamu’s tenure. Thirteen candidates are campaigning amid heightened emotions, focusing on student issues like freedom of expression and unfair fees.
Top Contenders and College Influence
The main battle is between Gracious Kadondi, supported by the National Unity Platform (NUP), and Hannah Karema Tumukunde, the 2023/24 Miss Uganda. Other strong challengers include NUP-leaning Mike Mujuzi, Uganda Young Democrats’ (UYD) Peter Claveri Kyajja, and NRM’s Jimmy Tebakor.
Colleges drive votes, with College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS, ~7,000 students), College of Education and External Studies (CEES, ~6,000), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS, ~5,500), and College of Health Sciences (CHS, ~3,300) leading turnout. CHUSS fields five candidates, potentially splitting votes and benefiting outsiders, while Kadondi holds a solid CHS bloc.
Former Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba notes that multiple CHUSS candidates fragment support, aiding rivals from smaller colleges. Activist Bruce Nahabwe highlights a trend favoring NUP-aligned activists due to student grievances against management.
Halls of Residence and Alliances
Nine halls housing about 5,000 students vote in blocs, reinforced by traditional solidarities like Afro-Stone (Africa and Livingstone) and Mitchellex (Complex and Mitchell). Both frontrunners reside in Mary Stuart Hall, splitting votes there, while endorsements from hall leaders could tip balances.
Kyajja draws strength from COBAMS and Livingstone Hall, and Tebakor from Nkrumah Hall residents. Campaigns now rely on classrooms, WhatsApp, and online platforms due to bans on physical rallies.
Political and Popularity Dynamics
NUP has dominated recent elections, but Karema’s celebrity appeal challenges Kadondi’s activism edge. Observers predict a close activism vs. popularity showdown.
This analysis is based on insights from students, former leaders, and aspirants. Source: Daily Monitor