Kampala, February 18, 2025 – The race for Makerere University’s Guild Presidency has taken an unexpected turn with the entry of Moses Mufakinanye, popularly known as Omujugujugu. Currently serving as the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbarara District, Mufakinanye, who is also a law student at Makerere University, has declared his candidacy, vowing to restore the Guild to its former glory. The election is slated for March
His campaign, built on the slogan “The Tsunami: A Solution-Based Government,” promises to tackle long-standing issues affecting the student body, including tuition policies, financial allowances, political inclusivity, and student welfare. He argues that past Guild Presidents have misused the office, and his mission is to bring transparency and accountability back to student leadership. “Some past Guild Presidents have misused that office, and I’m coming to restore it to a desirable state,” he affirmed.
A Record of Leadership and Public Service
Mufakinanye is no stranger to leadership. His political journey began long before his RDC appointment, having served in various student leadership positions. He was the Vice Guild President at the Law Development Centre (LDC) Kampala in 2021, a Guild Representative Councilor (GRC) at the Uganda Institute of Communication and Technology, and later represented the institution at the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) in 2024.
At Makerere, he previously held the position of GRC for the Debating Union and served as the Leader of the Opposition in the university’s 90th Guild Government. Beyond campus politics, his role as an Assistant RDC saw him oversee government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), a responsibility he believes has strengthened his leadership capacity.
The Manifesto: Restoring the Guild’s Integrity
Mufakinanye’s manifesto is anchored on what he describes as the “unfortunate” state of student affairs at Makerere. One of his main priorities is ensuring that the guild president effectively represents students on the university council. “The office of the Guild President gives one a direct ticket to sit in the University Council. However, it is unfortunate that past office bearers have not used this opportunity to lobby and advocate for fairer policies,” he stated.
He further expressed dissatisfaction with the low living-out allowances provided to students. “How can students survive on UGX 4,500 per day?” he questioned, promising to advocate for an increase to UGX 20,000 per day.
On tuition policies, he strongly opposes the current requirement for students to clear all fees before sitting for exams. Describing it as unfair and unsustainable, he proposes a flexible payment structure where students who have cleared at least 30 percent of their tuition should be allowed to sit for exams.
Another key aspect of his manifesto is constitutional reform for leadership inclusivity. The current Makerere University Guild Constitution (2022) limits students in three-year degree programs to contest for leadership only in their second year. Mufakinanye argues that leadership should be determined by merit, not timelines, and intends to push for amendments that allow all qualified students to contest, regardless of their year of study.
A Push for Political Inclusivity at Makerere
One of Mufakinanye’s most contentious proposals is the reinstatement of political party participation in Guild elections. He believes that the ban on political parties in Makerere’s student governance contradicts Uganda’s multi-party system, which was reinstated in 2005.
“The Constitution of Uganda is the supreme law of the land. Any law inconsistent with it is null and void. Makerere University, as part of Uganda, must mirror this political landscape. Political parties must be brought back to Makerere University to enhance free and fair political discourse,” he argued.
Addressing Eligibility Concerns
Mufakinanye’s candidacy has sparked debate regarding his eligibility, given his current position as Assistant RDC. However, he remains confident that his leadership experience and student status qualify him for the Guild Presidency.
“Before my appointment as RDC for Isingiro and later Mbarara, I was already a GRC and Leader of the Opposition at Makerere. My appointment by the President was a vote of confidence in my leadership abilities, and Makerereans should embrace me as their leader,” he stated.
He further dismissed concerns that his government role conflicts with student leadership, drawing a parallel with President Museveni’s multiple responsibilities. “Take President Museveni, for instance. He is the President of Uganda, the Commander-in-Chief, the NRM Chairman, a husband, father, and grandfather. He has excellently performed in all those roles. And so, why can’t I lead fellow students effectively?” he asked.
Legally, Mufakinanye insists he meets the requirements outlined in Article 72 of the Makerere University Students’ Guild Constitution (2022), which stipulates that a Guild Presidential candidate must be a registered student with at least two consecutive semesters at the university, a CGPA of 3.0 or higher, and no pending retakes. He also emphasized that his role as Assistant RDC does not involve drawing salaries from the consolidated fund, meaning it does not disqualify him from contesting.
Conclusion: A Leadership Shift in Makerere’s Guild Politics?
As he sets his sights on the Makerere Guild Presidency, Mufakinanye positions himself as a bold reformist seeking to challenge the status quo. His leadership background, combined with his experience in government administration, sets him apart from traditional student leaders.
His campaign presents a strong push for policy changes, particularly in tuition payments, student welfare, and political inclusivity. Whether his government ties will work for or against him remains to be seen, but his candidacy undeniably marks a significant moment in Makerere’s student politics.
“When a house is on fire, and you see a snake running into it, you must ask yourself—what is going on? Together, we will build for the future,” he concluded.
