Kadondi is openly affiliated with the National Unity Platform and received a public endorsement from party leader, Robert KyagulanyinSsentamu aka Bobi Wine shortly before polling day.
Kadondi Gracious has been elected the 92nd Guild President of Makerere University, defeating former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema Tumukunde in one of the most competitive and politically charged student elections in the institution’s recent history.
Results released Thursday evening from the university’s digital voting system showed Kadondi securing 6,801 votes, ahead of Tumukunde’s 5,787—a margin of 1,014 votes. The election was conducted via the Makerere AIMS student portal.
Kyajja Peter Claveri finished third with 1,493 votes, followed by Nyaika Daniel with 1,147 and Nzanga Mark with 595. Other candidates trailed with fewer than 500 votes each.
Broad-Based Support Secures Victory
Kadondi’s win was driven by strong performances across several of the university’s largest colleges. She led in key constituencies including the College of Health Sciences, the College of Business and Management Sciences, the College of Computing and Information Sciences, and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology.
Tumukunde remained competitive in select areas, notably the College of Education and External Studies, but did not match Kadondi’s consistency across the wider campus.
Additional votes from satellite campuses, including Jinja, and strong showings in schools such as Public Health contributed to widening Kadondi’s overall lead.
Politically Charged Contest
The election drew national attention due to its political undertones. Kadondi is openly affiliated with the National Unity Platform and received a public endorsement from party leader, Robert KyagulanyinSsentamu aka Bobi Wine shortly before polling day.
Her campaign framed the race as a struggle for student freedoms and institutional accountability, themes that resonated with a significant portion of the student body.
Support from musician King Saha further amplified her visibility among voters.
Strong Showing by Tumukunde
Despite the loss, Tumukunde ran a highly visible and policy-driven campaign. Her “Reboot The Ivory Tower” manifesto addressed key student concerns, including tuition policies, allowances, academic regulations, and welfare issues.
Her final vote tally of 5,787 represents one of the stronger performances by a losing candidate in recent guild elections and underscores the competitiveness of the race.
Significance Beyond Campus
Kadondi’s victory comes as Makerere University marks its centenary year, adding symbolic weight to the outcome. Observers say the result reflects broader political sentiments among young people and may be interpreted beyond the university as an indicator of shifting youth engagement.
She is expected to assume office amid heightened expectations from students seeking reforms and greater representation in university governance.
