Makerere University has officially reopened student guild campaigns, marking a major step toward restoring student democracy after a two-year suspension. The move, announced by Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, aims to promote democratic engagement and responsible leadership among students while ensuring safety and order on campus.
The guild campaigns were halted in July 2022 following the tragic death of Michael Betungura Bewatte, a second-year law student from Uganda Christian University, who was fatally stabbed during clashes between rival political groups on the eve of the guild elections.
Speaking during the announcement, Prof. Nawangwe said the university had engaged in extensive consultations with student leaders before reinstating the process.
“We are restoring a vibrant, participatory, and safe democratic culture on campus,” he said. “Freedom must be balanced with responsibility to ensure peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger persons or property.”
The reopening of guild campaigns signals a renewed focus on civic responsibility and leadership development at Uganda’s oldest university. Nawangwe emphasized that leadership training must extend beyond classrooms and lectures.
“Our students must be allowed to express themselves and engage in governance in a structured and responsible manner,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also assured the student body that outstanding allowances would be cleared once government releases second-quarter funds, promising close coordination with guild leadership to address the issue.
During the same address, Prof. Nawangwe announced key staffing and administrative updates. Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali was formally introduced as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), taking over a position central to maintaining Makerere’s academic standards.
In addition, the university’s Appointments Board, during its 769th meeting, approved the recruitment of 23 new staff members, confirmed 58 others, and accepted 18 resignations.
“Most of the colleagues who resigned left to take up new opportunities,” Nawangwe said. “Turnover is a natural part of any academic institution, and Makerere remains committed to ensuring continuity in teaching, research, and innovation.”
Makerere University Council had suspended the guild elections on July 14, 2022, just a day before polls were set to take place, citing safety concerns after Bewatte’s death. The incident prompted the banning of political party-affiliated brigades that had become notorious for violent clashes.
The university cautiously resumed student elections in November 2023, initially allowing virtual campaigns as part of a phased return to full democratic engagement.
Now, with in-person campaigns back, Makerere’s administration says it is confident that lessons have been learned and safety measures strengthened.
“Transition is a natural process in all institutions of higher learning,” Nawangwe said. “While some move on, Makerere maintains a strong recruitment and leadership pipeline to ensure academic and administrative stability.”
As the campaign season kicks off, all eyes are on Makerere’s student leaders — and whether Uganda’s premier university can balance freedom, safety, and accountability in its renewed pursuit of democracy on campus.
