Former student leaders at Makerere University have called on the university management to review regulations governing student leadership contests, arguing that the rules are stifling political engagement and undermining the historic role of campus politics in shaping national leaders.
The former leaders say the restrictions have created fear among students, with many avoiding leadership contests due to concerns about suspension or expulsion for alleged breaches of university regulations. They argue that this has denied students a vital platform that once nurtured some of Uganda’s most prominent politicians.
For decades, Makerere distinguished itself from many universities by allowing open political activity. Students openly affiliated with political parties, while national politicians regularly visited the campus, particularly during guild election seasons.
Former guild leaders say this exposure connected them to national politics early and enabled senior politicians to identify and mentor emerging leaders.
However, the university later tightened controls on political activity following incidents of election-related violence. Student rallies were subsequently banned, a move university management says was aimed at restoring order and discipline on campus.
Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who began her political journey through Makerere’s guild leadership, says the university served as her entry point into national politics.
“Makerere exposed me to national political actors and gave me the confidence to engage leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye, who later encouraged me to grow politically,” Nyanjura said.
Former Makerere Guild President Dr. Roy Ssembogga said his current political engagement is rooted in networks formed while at the university.
“Without Makerere politics, I would not have found a footing in national politics because the networks I built there still define my political life,” Ssembogga said.
Mukono South MP-elect Robert Maseruka, who served as Guild President during the 2023/2024 academic year, credited his Makerere experience for his recent electoral success.
“Introducing myself as a former Makerere student leader helped voters trust me and sharpened my ability to speak, debate, and mobilise,” Maseruka said.
The former leaders are now urging the university administration to revise rules governing guild campaigns and elections, arguing that the rallies previously held during these contests provided students with valuable opportunities to practise public speaking, engage in debate, and develop leadership skills critical for national politics.
Makerere University lecturer Dr. Gerald Walulya acknowledged the formative role of campus politics but defended the current regulatory framework.
“The regulations are intended to protect students, and the shift to online campaigns has significantly reduced election-related violence,” Walulya said.
Several nationally recognised politicians, including Justice Minister Norbert Mao, Mukasa Mbidde, Asuman Basalirwa, and Gerald Karuhanga, trace their political roots to Makerere University, underscoring the institution’s long-standing influence on Uganda’s political landscape.