Gracious Kadondi, running on the NUP ticket, has been declared the 92nd Guild President of Makerere University after a competitive race against Hannah Karema Tumukunde.
The ivory towers of Makerere University have once again vibrated with the intense energy of student politics, culminating in a definitive shift in the campus power dynamics. In a race characterized by high stakes, ideological clashes, and a rigorous digital and physical campaign trail, Gracious Kadondi, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been declared the 92nd Guild President of Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning.
Kadondi’s victory over her primary challenger, Hannah Karema Tumukunde, represents more than just a change in student leadership; it is a reflection of the broader political pulse of the nation and the enduring influence of “People Power” within the youth constituency.
The Candidates and the Ideological Divide
The 92nd Guild race was largely viewed as a two-horse race between two formidable women, each carrying a unique political weight.
- Gracious Kadondi (NUP): Running under the signature red beret, Kadondi’s platform focused heavily on “The Student First.” Her campaign was built on the foundation of addressing the immediate grievances of the student body: tuition policies, the state of halls of residence, and the digitisation of university services. As an NUP candidate, she also carried the mantle of opposition defiance, positioning herself as a voice for those frustrated with the status-core.
- Hannah Karema Tumukunde: A charismatic and articulate candidate, Tumukunde ran a campaign rooted in “Practical Leadership.” While widely respected for her debate skills and clear policy proposals, she often faced the uphill battle of navigating the university’s complex political landscape, where partisan labels often overshadow individual manifestos.
The competition was fierce but notably intellectual. Unlike previous years where physical skirmishes dominated the headlines, the 92nd race was defined by late-night “bazaar” speeches, viral social media town halls, and a sophisticated ground game that saw both candidates traversing the sprawling campus from Mitchell Hall to Mary Stuart.
The Election Results: By the Numbers
The Electoral Commission at Makerere University announced the final results following a day of high-tension voting. Kadondi secured a decisive lead, tapping into the massive support base of the NUP student wing, which has become a dominant force at Makerere over the last five years.
The voter turnout was significantly high, reflecting a student body that is increasingly engaged with how their institution is governed. Analysts suggest that Kadondi’s ability to mobilize the “non-resident” student vote those living in private hostels in Kikoni and Bwaise—was the “X-factor” that secured her victory.
Summary of the Results:
| Candidate | Affiliation | Outcome |
| Gracious Kadondi | NUP | Winner (92nd Guild President) |
| Hannah Karema Tumukunde | Independent/Other | Runner-up |
Key Pillars of the Kadondi Manifesto
With the victory secured, the focus now shifts to how the 92nd Guild will address the perennial issues facing “MAK” students. Kadondi has pledged to hit the ground running with a 100-day plan focused on three core areas:
1. The Tuition and Functional Fees Policy
Makerere has long been a flashpoint for protests regarding tuition increments. Kadondi has promised to engage the University Council to ensure that the “15% cumulative increment” policy is reviewed or cushioned by better financial aid options for underprivileged students. Her stance is clear: education must remain accessible to the “commoner.”
2. Infrastructure and Living Conditions
From the renovation of the iconic Lumumba Hall to the lighting of “dark spots” around the campus for student safety, the new Guild President has made infrastructure a priority. She emphasized during her victory speech that “a world-class university cannot have third-world living conditions.”
3. Digitization of Results and Transcripts
One of the most praised points of her manifesto was the promise to streamline the Academic Information Management System (ACMIS). Many students face delays in viewing results or obtaining transcripts; Kadondi intends to lobby for a more transparent, student-accessible digital portal to eliminate bureaucratic “missing marks” scandals.
The Broader Political Significance
Kadondi’s win is a significant boost for the National Unity Platform. In the wake of the 2026 General Elections, where the party maintained a strong presence in the central region, winning the Makerere Guild Presidency serves as a confirmation of their grassroots strength among Gen Z.
For the university administration, the election of an NUP president often presents a delicate balancing act. The Guild President serves as the bridge between the students and the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Kadondi will need to balance her role as an activist with the diplomatic requirements of being a member of the University Council.
Challenges Ahead
The road for the 92nd Guild President will not be without hurdles. History shows that student leaders often face immense pressure from:
- External Political Interference: Keeping the guild focused on student issues rather than becoming a proxy for national party politics.
- Budgetary Constraints: Turning ambitious manifesto promises into reality with a limited guild fund.
- Student Apathy: Maintaining the trust of a student body that is often skeptical of “campaign promises.”
A New Chapter
As Gracious Kadondi prepares for her inauguration, there is a sense of renewed hope among the “Gallant Bagyenda.” Her victory is a testament to the power of organized youth movements and the specific appeal of the NUP’s message of “Change.”
For Hannah Karema Tumukunde, the race was a display of exceptional leadership potential that many believe will see her rise in other sectors of public life. But for now, the red flag flies high at the Guild Canteen. The 92nd Guild Cabinet now carries the weight of thousands of students’ aspirations. Whether Kadondi can translate her electoral “red wave” into tangible administrative reforms will be the defining story of the coming academic year.
“We Build for the Future”—the Makerere motto—has never felt more relevant as a new generation takes the helm.
