National Unity Platform (NUP) Guild Presidential candidate Gracious Kadondi has publicly challenged what she describes as inconsistent and unfair enforcement of campaign regulations at Makerere University, following the abrupt cancellation of all physical campaign activities ahead of the Students Guild elections.
In an official statement released via her X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Kadondi outlined the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of her planned April 7 campaign event in Kikoni, raising concerns about transparency, equal treatment, and the integrity of the electoral process.
Kadondi stated that her campaign team formally notified the Uganda Police on March 30, 2026, regarding their planned event. According to her, the notification was duly received, and police confirmed that no other candidate had booked the same venue and date, granting her team clearance to proceed.
Following this, her campaign launched mobilization efforts, including the release of campaign materials on March 31.
However, on April 3, her team was informed by police in Kikoni that another group had submitted a request for the same venue and date. Kadondi noted that the competing letter was dated April 1—after her team had already notified authorities and publicly announced the event.
Despite engagements with both police and university administration, Kadondi said they were later informed that all campaign events—hers and those of other candidates—had been cancelled.
While acknowledging the decision, Kadondi questioned its consistency, pointing to a similar campaign event held on April 2 in Kikoni that reportedly proceeded with full police facilitation, including traffic diversion.
“If indeed all events are now to be cancelled in the interest of order, why was a similar event for one candidate allowed to proceed just last week?” her statement read.
Kadondi further questioned whether some campaigns were being given preferential treatment, asking whether “some campaigns are more deserving of space, protection, and facilitation than others.”
Kadondi emphasized that these concerns reflect “legitimate questions” arising from what she described as unequal application of standards.
Kadondi reaffirmed her commitment to a peaceful and lawful campaign while calling for fairness, consistency, and equal treatment of all candidates.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of a directive by Makerere University to suspend all physical campaign activities due to escalating tensions and violations of electoral guidelines.
In a statement dated March 28, 2026, the Chairperson of the 92nd Makerere Electoral Commission, Maureen Owomugisha, reaffirmed that all Students Guild elections must be conducted strictly through virtual means, in line with Section 10(b) of the Makerere Students Guild Statute, 2022.
The Commission also cited Article 71(1) and 71(2) of the Guild Constitution, warning that offences such as engaging in physical campaigns, acts of violence, hooliganism, and defacement of university property would attract severe penalties, including suspension and disqualification after due process.
Candidates were directed to remove all campaign materials—including posters on walls, floors, and other structures—by 2:00 p.m. on the stated deadline, with non-compliance resulting in automatic disqualification. The directive applies both within and outside university premises.
“This notice therefore serves as a final warning to all parties,” the Commission stated.
In a separate statement issued on April 7, 2026, the Office of the Dean of Students, led by Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, reiterated the ban on rallies, concerts, and processions both inside and outside the university, including in nearby areas such as Kikoni.
“It has come to the attention of this Office that some Guild Presidential candidates and their supporters have organized campaign concerts and gatherings outside of University such as in Kikoni,” the statement read.
Dr. Kabumbuli warned that such activities could escalate into violence and pose risks to students and the surrounding community. She confirmed that university security personnel had been tasked with enforcing compliance and cautioned that violators would face disciplinary action.
The stricter enforcement follows heightened tensions during the campaign period, including a presidential debate that ended prematurely after an incident involving supporters of Kadondi and her rival, Hannah Karema of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
University authorities intervened to prevent further escalation.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about earlier campaign activities, with reports indicating that Karema held a large campaign concert without interference, while Kadondi’s planned event—despite prior police clearance—was blocked.
The university’s directive has since sparked widespread criticism among students and observers, many of whom allege inconsistent enforcement of electoral regulations.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with some students describing the situation as “confusion and poor leadership,” while others questioned why virtual campaigning rules were not enforced uniformly from the outset.
Former Makerere Guild President Dr Shamim Nambassa also questioned the ban, asking whether similar gatherings had taken place earlier in Kikoni without intervention.
The controversy has intensified scrutiny on the Office of the Dean of Students, with calls for accountability and greater transparency in decision-making.
The Makerere Guild Presidency remains a key platform for student leadership and political engagement in Uganda. The upcoming election will determine the successor to outgoing Guild President James Churchill Ssentamu, who served as an independent.
In recent years, the position has been dominated by NUP-affiliated leaders, including Vincent Lubega Nsamba (2024) and Robert Maseruka (2023).
Despite the controversy, Kadondi urged students to remain engaged and participate in the electoral process.
“To the students of Makerere University, this is your moment,” she wrote, calling on voters to “defend fairness and the independence of the Students Guild” in the April 9, 2026 elections.
Meanwhile, university authorities have called for calm and compliance with electoral regulations.
“Let us all work together to safeguard one another and uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the Dean of Students’ office emphasized.
As the election approaches, the unfolding dispute continues to raise critical questions about fairness, transparency, and equal treatment in one of Uganda’s most closely watched student leadership contests.