MAKERERE—MARCH 26, 2025 – Nabwire Rose has been elected as the 28th Guild President of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), becoming the second female student to hold the position in the institution’s history. Her victory also marks the second consecutive term that a candidate affiliated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has secured the leadership of the student guild, further consolidating the party’s influence in university politics.
Despite running as an independent candidate, Nabwire maintained strong ties with the NRM. She decided to contest independently after Abaho Taban emerged as the party’s official flag bearer. Nabwire’s prior experience in student leadership—as the former vice guild president in the Amanya administration—bolstered her credibility and contributed to her success at the polls.
Election Results and Competitors
Nabwire secured a total of 2,255 votes, placing her well ahead of her closest rival, Lukwago, who garnered 1,242 votes. Other candidates trailed behind significantly:
- Abaho Taban (NRM flag bearer) – 827 votes
- Tasobya – 220 votes
- Semanda – 217 votes
- Mayeku – 89 votes
- Lakwo – 51 votes
The outcome reflects broad student support for Nabwire’s leadership platform, which emphasized practical concerns and inclusive governance.
Campaign Focus and Priorities
Throughout her campaign, Nabwire emphasized improving student welfare, pledging to advocate for better living and learning conditions across campus. She also promised to promote entrepreneurship among students, with initiatives aimed at equipping them with business skills and creating avenues for income generation. Additionally, she stressed the importance of strengthening communication between students and the university administration to ensure that student concerns are effectively addressed.
Reactions and Political Implications
Following the announcement of her victory, Nabwire expressed her gratitude in a message to her supporters:
“We have done it!! MUBS. Thank you all for trusting me with the mandate to serve you.”
Her win has been positively received by members of the NRM, despite her independent candidacy. Kirikiri Rashid, head of institutions at the NRM Youth Cadres Association, commented on the broader political implications of the result.
“Her victory strengthens the NRM’s influence among students and showcases our party’s commitment to youth leadership. We also hope to secure more representation of NRM members of parliament in the next general elections. For God and My Country.”
Historical Significance of Female Leadership
Nabwire’s election is historically significant as she becomes only the second female Guild President in MUBS history. The first, Pasquin Acaka of the Democratic Party (DP), won the 12th Guild elections in 2013 with 1,089 votes, defeating Hussein Mugisha (457 votes) and NRM’s Achilles Atwebembere (434 votes). Acaka’s victory was a milestone in promoting female representation in student leadership. It coincided with the election of Anne Adeke Abaju as Guild President of Makerere University, who later became a Member of Parliament representing women in Soroti.
Outlook and Leadership Expectations
With a foundation in student leadership and an active role in the previous guild government, Nabwire is positioned to build upon the legacy of the Amanya administration. Stakeholders within and beyond the university community will be closely observing how she delivers on her campaign promises and shapes student leadership during her term