NUP-Backed Kadondi Triumphs in Makerere Guild Election

Kampala, Uganda — April 9, 2026

Gracious Kadondi has won the race for Guild President at Makerere University, securing a clear lead in a hotly contested election that underscored the vibrancy of student politics at the institution.

Running with the backing of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Kadondi garnered 6,801 votes, defeating her closest competitor, Hannah Karema Tumukunde, who polled 5,787 votes in the final tally.

The election attracted a strong field of candidates and was characterised by energetic campaigns, debates, and mobilisation efforts across the campus.

Students turned out in large numbers to cast their votes, reflecting growing engagement in leadership processes within the university.

Moments after the results were announced, celebrations broke out among Kadondi’s supporters, who gathered in groups across campus to mark the victory.

The process remained largely peaceful, with security personnel deployed to maintain order.

Kadondi’s win continues a pattern of success for NUP-aligned candidates in Makerere’s guild elections, highlighting the party’s enduring appeal among young voters and its influence within academic spaces.

As Guild President, Kadondi will take on the mandate of representing the student body in engagements with university management, while advocating for improved welfare, academic conditions, and inclusive governance.

She takes over from James Churchill Ssentamu, stepping into a role that has historically shaped student leadership and, in many cases, nurtured future national figures.

Her victory once again places Makerere University at the center of Uganda’s youth political conversation, with the guild election serving as a key indicator of emerging trends among the country’s young population.