By Swift Reporter
National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Gracious Kadondi has emerged victorious in the Makerere university students guild race.
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.
In recent years, the position has been dominated by NUP-affiliated leaders, including Vincent Lubega Nsamba (2024) and Robert Maseruka (2023).
The Makerere Guild Presidency remains a key platform for student leadership and political engagement in Uganda.
The election, which saw high voter turnout, was characterized by intense campaigning, debates, and heightened political mobilization among student groups. Kadondi’s victory is being interpreted by observers as a reflection of growing support for NUP-aligned ideologies among the student population.
Supporters of Kadondi erupted in celebration shortly after the results were announced, gathering in different parts of the university to mark the win. Chants, songs, and processions filled the campus atmosphere as the news spread.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Kadondi pledged to promote student welfare, unity, and inclusive leadership. “This victory belongs to all students. We are going to work together to address the challenges affecting the student body,” he said.
University authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but the electoral process has so far been described as largely peaceful despite isolated incidents reported during the campaign and voting exercise.
Kadondi is expected to be sworn in as guild president in the coming days, taking over leadership at a time when students continue to raise concerns over welfare, academic policies, and governance.
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