By Spy Uganda
Gracious Kadondi, a candidate aligned to the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been elected guild president of Makerere University following a tightly contested student election that drew significant attention across campus.
According to official results released on Thursday, Kadondi secured a commanding 6,801 votes, defeating her closest rival, Hannah Karema Tumukunde, who garnered 5,787 votes. The race was one of the most competitive in recent years, with high voter turnout and intense political engagement among students.
Several other candidates participated in the race, including Peter Claveri Kyajja, who polled 1,493 votes, Daniel Nyaika with 1,147 votes, and Mark Nzanga, who received 595 votes. Others were Mike Muuzi Flugensio (408), Jimmy Prince Tebakor (184), Tracy Theresa Mbabazi (148), Ashiraf Ssemada (121), Timothy Serunkuma (68), Jackson Lubango (65), Timothy Bulumba (61), and Collin Atuha (35).
Kadondi will succeed James Churchill Ssentamu, who was elected on an independent ticket. Her victory extends a recent trend in which NUP-aligned candidates have dominated student leadership at the university, following the tenures of Vincent Lubega Nsamba and Robert Maseruka.
The election period was marked by vigorous campaigns, debates, and heightened political mobilisation, reflecting the growing influence of national political ideologies within student politics. Observers say Kadondi’s win signals sustained support for NUP-leaning leadership among the student body.
Celebrations broke out across campus shortly after the results were announced, with Kadondi’s supporters chanting and marching in different areas of the University.
In her victory remarks, Kadondi pledged to prioritise student welfare, unity, and inclusive governance. “This victory belongs to all students. We are going to work together to address the challenges affecting the student body,” she said.
Despite minor incidents reported during the campaign and voting process, the elections were largely peaceful, according to preliminary assessments. University authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the exercise.
The Makerere guild presidency remains one of Uganda’s most influential student leadership positions, often seen as a training ground for future national leaders.
