MAKERERE, March 8, 2025 – With just four days to go until Makerere University’s highly anticipated 91st Guild elections, the Guild Presidential Debate unfolded on Friday in a charged atmosphere at CTF 1, marking a defining moment in student politics. The debate happened thanks to an appeal by the 90th Guild leadership, led by Guild President Lubega Vincent Nsamba, who strongly advocated for increased student engagement in the electoral process. Their persistence paid off—hundreds of students turned up, eager to witness aspirants present their manifestos, challenge each other’s policies, and make their final appeals for votes.
As the night progressed, it became clear that this wasn’t just a debate; it was a battleground of ideas, endorsements, and high-stakes drama, setting the stage for one of the most competitive elections in recent memory.
The Candidates Who Commanded the Stage
Among the 13 contenders, a few presidential hopefuls seized the moment, capturing the attention of the audience with compelling manifestos and electrifying delivery.
Basalirwa Ismail, a third-year law student and National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer, emphasized the power of communication and knowledge-sharing within the university. He pledged to revive Campus FM and Campus TV, ensuring students had a platform to express themselves and engage in civic discourse. His supporters, recognizing his strong stance on free speech, erupted into chants of “The Whip! Basalirwa the Conqueror!” every time he drove home a powerful point.
John Baptist Rukundo, a second-year political scientist representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), unveiled his “Five-Star Manifesto,” centered on student welfare, social events, and tuition flexibility. His most striking promise was to advocate for a policy allowing students to sit for exams after paying just 50 percent of their tuition. “Right now, students must pay 100% of their fees to sit for exams, but I will ensure that those who have paid at least 50% are allowed to take their papers,” he vowed. His proposal drew applause, as many students have struggled with strict payment deadlines.
Job Mugabe, a fourth-year Medicine and Surgery student, took a different approach. His campaign was built on strengthening student associations, recognizing them as vital pillars of university life. He also vowed to push for higher food and living-out allowances for government-sponsored students, citing the financial hardships many had faced in the past semester. His rallying cry, “Job for the Job!” echoed through the hall as his campaign team demonstrated impressive grassroots mobilization.
Ssentamu Churchill James, a second-year social sciences student, placed his focus on restoring student welfare in the halls of residence. He passionately argued for the return of small businesses within halls, such as printing and photocopying services, which had been phased out. His supporters, united under the slogan “Let’s Get Heard,” reinforced his message of prioritizing student voices in university governance.
A Shocking Endorsement That Shook the Debate
Just when it seemed the debate had settled into a rhythm of manifesto presentations, an unexpected twist sent shockwaves through the audience. NRM-affiliated candidate, Mpamize Rwamigamba Major, stunned the room by withdrawing from the race and throwing his support behind fellow aspirant John Baptist Rukundo.
Grabbing the microphone, Mpamize delivered a fiery endorsement, urging all NRM supporters to unite behind Rukundo to reclaim the Guild leadership from NUP, which had held the seat since the 86th Guild.
“We, as the NRM, must stand together to take this seat. The National Unity Platform has led since the 86th Guild, but what have they done for you? Nothing! It is time for a new leadership that delivers results!” he declared.
The hall erupted—some students cheered, others jeered, and a heated debate broke out. While some saw this as a strategic consolidation of votes, others questioned whether Rukundo would maintain his independence in decision-making or simply become a party puppet.
A Controversial Clash Over Priorities
As the debate neared its conclusion, a dramatic confrontation stole the spotlight. Ategeka Prosper, a second-year law student, found himself under intense scrutiny when a student challenged his priorities during the question-and-answer session.
Ategeka had proposed installing a zebra crossing in Kikoni, but one audience member dismissed it as a minor concern compared to the ongoing sanitation crisis on campus.
“Toilets on campus are dirty, basic hygiene is neglected, and you’re here talking about a zebra crossing? Why don’t you focus on things that matter first?” the student fired.
The room fell silent, anticipating Ategeka’s response. Visibly frustrated, he defended his position but also lashed out at former aspirants, accusing them of turning the debate into a “chanting room” instead of an intellectual discussion. His reaction drew mixed reactions—some felt he had failed to adequately address the sanitation issue, while others sympathized with his frustration over the heated atmosphere.
The Power of Debates in Makerere’s Student Politics
The night’s events underscored the crucial role that debates play in shaping student elections at Makerere University. Mukwaya Muhammad, the founder and first Leader of Opposition in the 89th Guild and a former 90th Guild aspirant, joined the discussion virtually from Israel, offering an insightful reflection on the importance of such debates.
“These debates influence voter opinions by providing a platform for candidates to present their policies and personalities, directly impacting decision-making. Undecided voters are highly influenced by physical debates like those we have witnessed in the 88th, 89th, and 90th Guild elections,” he noted.
He also commended the administration for reviving the physical debate format but urged them to take it further by reinstating full physical campaigns.
“To the administration, I believe these debates are good. However, as the great alma mater, Makerere University, we don’t just deserve the good—we deserve the best. Let us devise means of bringing back physical campaigns,” he asserted.
What’s Next? The Countdown to Election Day
With four days left until the elections on Wednesday, the stage is now set. Will Rukundo’s surprise endorsement from Mpamize give him an edge? Can Basalirwa’s emphasis on free speech and communication capture the student vote? Will Mugabe’s focus on student associations tip the scales? Or will an underdog candidate rise to defy expectations?
As students prepare to cast their votes, one thing is certain: this election is far from predictable. The drama, the strategies, and the heated exchanges from the 91st Guild Presidential Debate have set the tone for an unforgettable showdown at the ballot box.