Makerere University has reinstated open student guild campaigns, a move Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe said is aimed at promoting democratic engagement and responsible leadership among students.
The campaigns had been suspended following the tragic death of a student during election activities.
Prof Nawangwe said the decision came after extensive consultations with student leaders and reflects the university’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility on campus.
"We are restoring a vibrant, participatory, and safe democratic culture on campus. Freedom must be balanced with responsibility to ensure peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger persons or property," he said.
Nawangwe also emphasized the importance of leadership training beyond the classroom, noting that the university must provide students with space for free expression and engagement in governance.
He assured students that outstanding allowances would be paid once government releases second-quarter funds, with plans harmonized alongside guild leadership.
The Vice Chancellor took the occasion to announce key developments in staffing and leadership. Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali was formally introduced as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs).
He also reported that during its 769th meeting, the Makerere University Appointments Board approved the hiring of 23 new staff members, confirmed 58 others, and accepted 18 resignations.
"Most of the colleagues who resigned left to take up other opportunities in various capacities. We congratulate all departing staff and wish them well in their new positions of service," Nawangwe said, adding that turnover is a natural part of any academic institution.
He highlighted Makerere’s robust recruitment and confirmation processes, which ensure continuity in teaching, research, and learning.
"Transition is a natural process in all institutions of higher learning. While some staff move on, Makerere maintains a strong recruitment pipeline to ensure that academic programmes and research activities remain uninterrupted," he said.
Makerere suspended its student guild campaigns on July 14, 2022, following the tragic death of Michael Betungura Bewatte, a second-year law student from Uganda Christian University.
Bewatte, who had showed up to rally support for a candidate, was fatally stabbed during violent clashes between rival student political groups on the final day of the guild campaigns.
In response to the incident, the Makerere University Council issued a statement on July 14, 2022, suspending the elections and the entire Students’ Guild government.
The elections had been scheduled for July 15, 2022, but were indefinitely deferred following the fatal stabbing.
The university also banned the use of political party-affiliated "brigades" on campus, which were often involved in such clashes.
The suspension lasted for over a year. In November 2023, Makerere resumed guild elections, allowing students to campaign virtually.