Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,157
- 590
Makerere University students are gearing up for one of the most fiercely contested Students’ Guild presidential races in recent years. With voting scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, the contest for the 92nd Guild President has narrowed dramatically into a high-stakes duel between two standout female candidates: Hannah Karema Tumukunde and Gracious Kadondi.
Although 13 candidates were officially nominated and cleared, on-the-ground analysis and campus buzz indicate the real race is between Karema and Kadondi.
The Leading Contenders
Hannah Karema Tumukunde, the 2023/24 Miss Uganda and BWAP(Beauty with a Purpose) Africa Winner 2024, is running an energetic independent campaign under the slogan “Reboot the Ivory Tower.”
Her message focuses on renewal, innovation, and restoring vibrancy to student leadership and campus life. Karema has brought charisma, public appeal, and a fresh “vibe” to the race, often delivering her manifesto with style, including creative raps that have gone viral on social media. Supporters praise her visibility, poise, and ability to connect across different student groups.
Gracious Kadondi, the incumbent Vice President of the 91st Guild Government, is backed by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) and campaigns on the bold slogan “No Cuddling.”
Having served as Vice President under Guild President Ssentamu Churchill James, Kadondi brings valuable experience in student governance, welfare advocacy, and navigating university administration.
Her platform emphasizes firmness, accountability, and uncompromising advocacy for student rights and freedoms. She has positioned herself as a no-nonsense leader ready to tackle tough issues like tuition policies, accommodation, and academic welfare without compromise.
Kadondi enjoys strong support from NUP-aligned students and has been vocal about regaining student freedoms, declaring during debates that rights “should not be begged for.”
A Campaign Marked by High Drama and Tension
The race has been anything but calm. On March 27, 2026, the first Guild Presidential Debate at the Main Hall descended into chaos. Supporters of the two leading candidates clashed shortly after Karema finished her three-minute manifesto presentation. Chanting, movement toward rival groups, and scuffles forced university authorities to suspend the debate prematurely.
In response, Makerere University suspended all physical campaign activities, shifting remaining engagements to virtual formats to prevent further escalation. The electoral commission has emphasized that the polls will proceed strictly according to guidelines, with mock elections planned for April 7 ahead of the main vote on April 9.
Despite the restrictions, both candidates have continued aggressive virtual campaigns, college-level engagements, and media appearances. Creative elements such as rap style manifesto deliveries have kept students engaged amid the seriousness of the contest.
What’s at Stake
The Makerere Guild Presidency is one of the most influential student leadership positions in Uganda. The Guild President represents over 30,000 students, engages with university administration on issues like fees, welfare, accommodation, and academic policies, and often serves as a launching pad for broader political careers.
Recent Guild races have seen strong NUP-leaning influence. Kadondi’s experience as Vice President in the 91st government gives her an insider advantage on continuity and delivery, while Karema’s popularity as a former beauty queen and her cross-cutting appeal could disrupt that trend and bring fresh energy.
Analysts note that while Kadondi may have a structural edge through organized political backing and prior leadership experience, Karema’s personal brand and ability to mobilize non-aligned students make the outcome highly unpredictable. Many observers describe the contest as too close to call, with turnout and last-minute virtual mobilization likely to decide the winner.
Although 13 candidates were officially nominated and cleared, on-the-ground analysis and campus buzz indicate the real race is between Karema and Kadondi.
The Leading Contenders
Hannah Karema Tumukunde, the 2023/24 Miss Uganda and BWAP(Beauty with a Purpose) Africa Winner 2024, is running an energetic independent campaign under the slogan “Reboot the Ivory Tower.”
Gracious Kadondi, the incumbent Vice President of the 91st Guild Government, is backed by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) and campaigns on the bold slogan “No Cuddling.”
Having served as Vice President under Guild President Ssentamu Churchill James, Kadondi brings valuable experience in student governance, welfare advocacy, and navigating university administration.
Her platform emphasizes firmness, accountability, and uncompromising advocacy for student rights and freedoms. She has positioned herself as a no-nonsense leader ready to tackle tough issues like tuition policies, accommodation, and academic welfare without compromise.
Kadondi enjoys strong support from NUP-aligned students and has been vocal about regaining student freedoms, declaring during debates that rights “should not be begged for.”
A Campaign Marked by High Drama and Tension
The race has been anything but calm. On March 27, 2026, the first Guild Presidential Debate at the Main Hall descended into chaos. Supporters of the two leading candidates clashed shortly after Karema finished her three-minute manifesto presentation. Chanting, movement toward rival groups, and scuffles forced university authorities to suspend the debate prematurely.
In response, Makerere University suspended all physical campaign activities, shifting remaining engagements to virtual formats to prevent further escalation. The electoral commission has emphasized that the polls will proceed strictly according to guidelines, with mock elections planned for April 7 ahead of the main vote on April 9.
Despite the restrictions, both candidates have continued aggressive virtual campaigns, college-level engagements, and media appearances. Creative elements such as rap style manifesto deliveries have kept students engaged amid the seriousness of the contest.
What’s at Stake
The Makerere Guild Presidency is one of the most influential student leadership positions in Uganda. The Guild President represents over 30,000 students, engages with university administration on issues like fees, welfare, accommodation, and academic policies, and often serves as a launching pad for broader political careers.
Recent Guild races have seen strong NUP-leaning influence. Kadondi’s experience as Vice President in the 91st government gives her an insider advantage on continuity and delivery, while Karema’s popularity as a former beauty queen and her cross-cutting appeal could disrupt that trend and bring fresh energy.
Analysts note that while Kadondi may have a structural edge through organized political backing and prior leadership experience, Karema’s personal brand and ability to mobilize non-aligned students make the outcome highly unpredictable. Many observers describe the contest as too close to call, with turnout and last-minute virtual mobilization likely to decide the winner.
