Makerere University has suspended all physical campaign activities ahead of the Students Guild elections, citing escalating tensions and violations of electoral guidelines.
In a statement dated Saturday, 28 March 2026, and signed by the 92nd Chairperson of the Makerere Electoral Commission, Maureen Owomugisha, the university reaffirmed that all Students Guild elections are to be conducted strictly through virtual means.
“Pursuant to Section 10(b) of the Makerere Students Guild Statute, 2022, all Students Guild elections at the university shall be conducted virtually, unless otherwise determined by the University Student Council,” the statement read.
The Chairperson further referenced Article 71(1) of the Makerere University Guild Constitution, which outlines electoral offences, and Article 71(2), which prescribes disciplinary action for any student found guilty of such violations following due process.
The Commission warned that any breach of these provisions—including engaging in physical campaigns, acts of violence, hooliganism, or defacement of university property—will attract severe penalties. These include possible suspension from the university and disqualification from the electoral process.
“This notice therefore serves as a final warning to all parties,” the statement added.
In the directive, all aspirants have been instructed to remove any campaign materials, including posters placed on walls, floors, and other university structures, by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Failure to comply will result in automatic disqualification from the electoral race.
Notably, the directive extends beyond the university premises, applying both within and outside campus boundaries.
The announcement follows heightened tensions that erupted during Friday’s presidential debate.
The debate ended prematurely following an incident involving supporters of candidate Gracious Kadondi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and candidate Hannah Karema, both vying for the presidency.
University authorities intervened to prevent further escalation.
The race for Makerere’s guild presidency seeks to determine the successor of outgoing President James Churchill Ssentamu, who contested as an independent.
The position has, in recent years, been dominated by NUP, with Vincent Lubega Nsamba winning the presidency in 2024, while Robert Maseruka held the position in 2023