education 7 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Makerere Guild Race: Karema and Kadondi Lead Historic Female Showdown
With under 48 hours until Makerere University's Guild presidential election, female candidates Hannah Tumukunde Karema and Gracious Kadondi are dominating the race, pushing competing visions for student welfare, reforms, and political freedoms. Their campaigns highlight frustrations over allowances, academic policies, and electoral issues amid concerns about the online voting system's transparency. Source: https://observer.ug/news/karema-vs-kadondi-will-girl-power-redefine-makereres-guild-politics
The Makerere University Guild presidential election is nearing, featuring a groundbreaking contest between two women: Hannah Tumukunde Karema and Gracious Kadondi. This shift marks a potential redefinition of student politics at Uganda’s top university.
Karema’s ‘Rebooting the Ivory Tower’ campaign targets administrative inefficiencies and broken promises, like unreturned physical campaigns. She demands accountability, higher daily allowances from Shs 3,000 to Shs 15,500, refunds for undelivered red gowns, a subsidized food court, and reforms to the Guild Statute restricting first-year participation.
Academically, she pushes for supplementary exams for finalists and full enforcement of the 60% tuition policy, stressing education as a right.
Kadondi, a former vice president, focuses on restoring student voices against suppression. She aims to expand dignified work schemes, involve students in campus business bids, end online-only campaigns, and implement flexible exam policies with tuition waivers.
Both oppose restrictions stifling student freedoms, warning they produce weak leaders.
Critics like Ismael Basalirwa question the Electoral Commission’s independence under the Dean of Students, citing inexperienced staff and inconsistent processes, such as cancelled physical events.
Students like Onesimus Atuhaire praise online voting for accessibility but criticize its extension to campaigns and lack of real-time transparency, fearing tampering. Alijuna Muhammad echoes concerns over democratic principles.
As voting looms, debates intensify on whether the digital system ensures fairness.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)