Makerere University has tightened enforcement of its Guild electoral regulations after reports emerged that the two leading Guild presidential contenders, Hannar Karema and Kandondi Gracious, were both expected to hold separate campaign rallies in Kikoni today.
In a notice issued by the Office of the Dean of Students dated 7th April 2026, the university warned all candidates and their supporters against organizing any physical mobilization activities, insisting that all campaigns must remain strictly online.
The warning comes amid heightened excitement surrounding the Guild race, with supporters of both Karema and Kandondi reportedly planning to converge in Kikoni, the bustling student suburb neighboring the main campus, for what would have been major show-of-force rallies by the two front-runners.
According to the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Students’ Guild Statute, 2022 requires that all student elections be conducted virtually unless the University Council provides otherwise.
As such, physical rallies, concerts, processions, and any gatherings intended to mobilize support are prohibited both on campus and in surrounding areas.
University authorities said they had received credible reports that the planned Kikoni rallies could trigger confrontation between rival camps, raising fears of violence and threatening the safety of students and residents.
The administration has now directed University Security and the Electoral Commission to closely monitor compliance and prevent any unauthorized gatherings.
Any student, candidate, or supporter found violating the directive faces disciplinary action under university regulations, the notice warned.
The decision is likely to significantly affect today’s campaign momentum, especially for Karema and Kandondi, whose parallel rallies were expected to dominate the political conversation among students.
The latest development underscores the university’s determination to maintain calm and preserve the integrity of the Guild electoral process as the contest between the two leading candidates intensifies.
“Let us all work together to safeguard one another and uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the Dean’s office stated.
