Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba has refuted allegations of incompetence, abuse of office, and absenteeism outlined in a petition filed by Guild Representative Council (GRC) member Mufakinaye Moses on November 9, 2024. Speaking in an interview, Nsamba dismissed the accusations, which called for his impeachment, and provided evidence to support his defense.
Addressing Allegations of Absenteeism
Responding to claims of prolonged absence, Nsamba presented his passport, showing he traveled to the United States on August 27 and returned on September 7, spending only nine days abroad. He clarified that the trip was conducted in accordance with Makerere University Students Guild Guidelines (2022), which require written notification for absences exceeding five days for official duties.
Nsamba stated that he informed the Dean of Students, the Vice Guild President, the Speaker, and other relevant officials well in advance. “I fulfilled all my obligations as required. The claim that I was absent for an ‘extended period’ is baseless,” he said, expressing confusion over the petitioner’s allegations.
On Non-Attendance of GRC Sessions
Nsamba also addressed accusations of failing to attend GRC sessions, citing Article 24(3) of the Makerere Students Guild Constitution of 2022. This provision specifies that the Guild President, as a non-voting ex-officio member, is not required to attend all GRC sessions unless formally summoned.
“As a non-voting member, my attendance is conditional upon specific petitions or requests from council members. None were presented to me,” he argued, emphasizing that his absence from sessions did not contravene the constitution.
Accountability and Transparency
In response to accusations of abuse of office, Nsamba highlighted Article 7(5) of the Makerere Students Guild Constitution, which prioritizes accountability and transparency as key guild values. He said that he has maintained transparency in his administration, a trait past guild presidents lacked.
“I have made it my responsibility to be accountable and transparent to those I serve. Transparency is a cornerstone of my leadership,” Nsamba stated, framing himself as a reformist leader committed to openness.
Clarification on Vehicle Purchase
Addressing concerns over the purchase of a vehicle for his office, Nsamba pointed out that allocating funds for a guild president’s car and fuel is standard practice. He argued that the GRC members now criticizing him had approved these provisions.
“Guild presidents have always been allocated funds for vehicles and fuel. It’s surprising to be criticized for using resources that were approved by the same council,” he noted. Nsamba emphasized that his use of the vehicle aligns with the role’s requirements and reflects his commitment to fulfilling his official duties.
Defense Against Impeachment
Nsamba said he is dedicated to accountability, transparency, and fulfilling the constitutional mandates of his office. He dismissed the petition’s allegations as unfounded and asserted that his administration remains focused on serving Makerere University’s student body effectively.
On Delayed Allowances
Nsamba expressed frustration at being blamed for the delayed allowances of government-sponsored students, calling it an issue beyond his control. “How do you blame a fellow student for a 12-billion-shilling issue? Am I the one?” he asked, attributing the problem to systemic flaws in government planning.
He revealed that the Guild leadership had engaged the Makerere University Government-Sponsored Students Association (MUGOSA), which confirmed that the delays were out of their hands as well. “This problem didn’t start with my leadership. It’s a result of poor planning, and pinning a student leader for it is unfair,” he argued.
Advocating for Nonviolence
Responding to accusations of avoiding protests, Nsamba firmly defended his preference for dialogue over demonstrations. Citing Article 8(5) of the Makerere University Students Guild Constitution, he emphasized the mandate to promote nonviolent approaches in addressing grievances.
He referenced a tragic 1991 protest during Norbert Mao’s tenure as Guild President, in which a demonstration over delayed allowances led to the deaths of two students and injuries to many, including the late Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah.
“We all have different approaches, but if you disagree with mine, it doesn’t mean I’m incompetent. The end result matters. I am an ambassador of peace, and violent means can cost lives, shatter futures, and lead to suspensions,” Nsamba stated.
He cited his successful efforts to negotiate the pardon of suspended students as evidence of the effectiveness of his peaceful methods. “They are now back and preparing for their exams,” he added.
Clarifying the Freshers Ball Cancellation
On the canceled Freshers Ball, Nsamba clarified that the event was the responsibility of the Culture Minister, who had received a budget for its organization. The cancellation, he explained, followed a meeting where security concerns led the university to disapprove of the event.
Regarding vendors who had already invested in the ball, Nsamba said the Social Affairs Minister intervened to refund them, resolving the issue.
Addressing Trust Issues
When asked why some Guild Representative Council (GRC) members had lost trust in him, Nsamba suggested it stemmed from competition over ministry assignments. “There are only 16 ministries but 120 GRCs, so it’s impossible for everyone to be assigned a ministry,” he explained.
He described the petitioner, who called for his impeachment, as a populist seeking attention. He speculated that the individual may be planning to run for the 91st Guild Presidency and noted lingering bitterness from the narrow margin by which he won the previous election.
Leadership Challenges
Nsamba concluded by reiterating his commitment to dialogue, accountability, and peaceful problem-solving. He dismissed the allegations as baseless distractions and reaffirmed his focus on addressing the needs of Makerere University students effectively.