Students from Mitchell Hall at Makerere University have formally rejected the results of the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag bearer primaries for the upcoming 92nd Guild Presidential elections, citing widespread irregularities in the electoral process.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Mitchellex Solidarity leadership, the students denounced the primaries that were held on March 9, 2026 at the National Unity Platform headquarters in Kavule, arguing that the process failed to meet standards of free, fair, and transparent elections.
“The process was unfortunately marred by gross irregularities, inconsistencies, and violations of electoral standards, which render the outcome illegitimate,” the statement reads.
Vote Numbers Questioned
One of the major concerns raised by the group is the discrepancy between the number of registered voters and votes cast.
According to the statement, the official voter register indicated 1,195 registered voters, yet 1,230 votes were declared, raising suspicions of possible ballot stuffing and manipulation of results.
“Such an anomaly raises serious concerns about ballot stuffing and manipulation of results, thereby undermining the credibility of the entire electoral process,” the students said.
The students said such inconsistencies undermine the credibility of the election outcome.
Allegations of Bias
Mitchell Hall leaders also accused some individuals who managed the electoral process of having close links to one of the candidates, Kadondi Gracious, who was declared the winner of the primaries.
They specifically mentioned Simon Wandukwa Gyabi, the chairperson of the NUP Makerere Chapter, claiming that his alleged alignment with the candidate’s camp created a conflict of interest and compromised neutrality.
The statement argued that such involvement violates provisions in the NUP constitution regarding conflict of interest and leadership conduct.
Claims of Voter Disenfranchisement
Students also alleged that several individuals who had registered electronically were missing from the physical voting register, preventing them from voting.
At the same time, the group claimed that some people were allowed to vote without proper verification or without appearing on the official voter list.
Violence and Intimidation
The statement further alleged that the voting process was characterised by violence, intimidation and harassment, reportedly carried out by individuals described as party foot soldiers.
According to the students, some voters were assaulted, threatened or blocked from accessing the polling area, which they say violated the constitutional right to participate in political processes.
Poor Organisation at Polling Area
The students also criticised the organisation of the voting process, citing:
overcrowding at the polling area
lack of orderly queues
failure to separate voters from the voting zone
selective access to voting facilitated by partisan officials
They said these conditions failed to meet basic electoral standards expected in a credible election.
Students Reject Results
Following these concerns, the Mitchellex Solidarity leadership announced several resolutions, including:
Formally denouncing the election results declared by NUP
Rejecting the legitimacy of the primary election process
Distancing themselves from NUP political activities within Mitchell Hall and Makerere University
The group also called for respect for democratic principles, saying student leadership must arise from credible, peaceful and transparent electoral processes that reflect the true will of the voters.
The statement comes amid growing political tension within Makerere University as students prepare for the 92nd Guild Presidential elections, one of the most closely watched student political contests in the country.
