Kampala — Tensions are rising at Makerere University after rival camps accused each other of unfair play in the lead-up to the guild presidential elections, following a university directive banning all off-campus campaigning.
The dispute centres on Nalika Lane in Kikoni, a popular student hub, where supporters of guild aspirants Kadondi Gracious and Hannah Karema Tumukunde had both planned campaign events.
According to Kadondi’s camp, they secured the venue first.
“We booked Nalika Lane on March 30 and had fully prepared for our event, only to learn that another team reserved the same venue on April 1,” a spokesperson from Kadondi’s camp said. “This raises serious concerns about fairness and possible bias in how these activities are being handled.”
However, Karema’s supporters rejected the allegations, arguing that concerns around security and past incidents informed their decisions.
“Our position has always been guided by student safety,” a member of Karema’s campaign team said. “There have been previous incidents linked to our opponent’s mobilisation activities, and those risks cannot be ignored.”
The situation escalated after the Office of the Dean of Students issued a directive on April 7 prohibiting all physical campaign activities, including rallies, concerts, and processions, both on and off campus.
In the notice signed by Dean of Students Dr Winifred Kabumbuli, students were reminded that, under the university’s electoral regulations, campaigns must be conducted virtually unless otherwise authorised.
“All campaign activities are expected to be conducted online. Physical rallies, processions, concerts, or any form of gathering intended to mobilise support in or outside the University are not permitted,” the statement read.
Kadondi’s supporters questioned the timing and enforcement of the directive, pointing to recent events that were allowed to proceed.
“Why were similar events facilitated and secured by police just last week, but now ours is being stopped?” another supporter asked. “We need consistency and transparency.”
On the other hand, Karema’s camp welcomed the directive, saying it would help prevent violence and ensure a level playing field.
“This decision protects students and ensures campaigns are issue-based rather than confrontational,” a campaign official said.
With voting scheduled for Thursday, the university leadership has called for calm.
Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe urged students to prioritize peace and focus on leadership choices that advance student welfare.
“We call upon all students to remain calm and uphold the values of Makerere University,” Nawangwe said. “This election should be about ideas, service, and the future of student leadership—not conflict.”
The guild election, a key event in the university’s calendar, is expected to draw significant participation, even as authorities tighten enforcement of electoral regulations to prevent unrest.
