Churchill James Sentamu, the current Makerere University Guild President and nephew to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has suffered a crushing defeat in the Central Region Youth Representative to Parliament race.
Official results released by the Electoral Commission show that Sentamu, polled only 34 votes, trailing far behind the winner, Begira Samuel of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who secured an overwhelming 1,001 votes.
The results were declared on January 28, 2026, by Central Region Returning Officer Kashagire Harriet at Masaka Sports Arena.
Landslide Win for NRM
Out of 1,105 ballot papers counted, 1,100 were valid, with five rejected and two spoiled ballots. The margins reflected a decisive victory for the ruling party candidate, underlining NRM’s continued dominance in special interest group elections.
Other candidates posted minimal figures, including Nazimuura Isaac (BALL) with 46 votes, Edward Mulabako (NUP) with 12 votes, and Andrew Bbaale (DP) who managed just two votes.
Sentamu’s defeat has attracted widespread attention due to his dual political identity as Makerere University’s top student leader and a close relative of Uganda’s leading opposition figure. His tenure as guild president has been marked by outspoken activism, particularly during the election period and the recent internet shutdown, where he issued emotional public statements alleging state intimidation.
However, the youth MP results suggest that campus popularity and political lineage did not translate into broader regional support, especially in a race requiring extensive grassroots mobilization across districts.
Political observers say the outcome highlights the challenges facing opposition-aligned candidates in youth elections, where organizational reach and voter turnout often favor the ruling party.
“Guild leadership is influential, but regional youth elections are a different terrain altogether,” said one analyst, noting that the NRM’s entrenched structures continue to outperform rivals in special interest contests.
What Next?
With the declaration concluded, Begira Samuel will take up the position of Central Region Youth Representative to Parliament in the 11th Parliament.
Meanwhile, Sentamu remains in office as Makerere University Guild President, a role that continues to place him at the center of national political debate, even as questions emerge about his next political steps following the electoral setback.
