The 91st Guild President of Makerere University, Ssentamu Churchill James, has come out guns blazing to defend himself following public outrage over viral photos showing him alongside President Yoweri Museveni.
In a fiery press release and personal statement issued Friday morning, Ssentamu says the meeting with Museveni was not a cozy affair, but part of his official role representing over 32,000 students at the launch of the university’s Research and Innovation Week.
“These pictures were taken while I was on my official duty… They have stirred a storm among the general public, my family, and my fellow students. Some opportunists are using them to tell blatant lies for their benefit,” Ssentamu wrote.
The student leader slammed the backlash as misguided and accused critics of twisting the narrative for political gain. His stance? He’s not backing down.
“I Will Question Museveni”
Ssentamu made it clear he’s no puppet of the regime. In a defiant letter stamped by the Makerere Guild Office, he boldly stated:
“It’s in my line of duty to account, follow up, and question Gen. Museveni’s day-to-day business… Relenting from my duties makes me a populist, not an executor.”
While admitting the moral tension of working with “unpopular government officials,” he emphasized his loyalty lies first with Makerere’s students, not any political affiliation or ideology.
A Corrupt System Under Fire
The Guild President also launched a scathing attack on Uganda’s leadership, calling the country a “proudly corrupt nation” where leaders “steal at every opportunity.” He accused Parliament of turning into a “house of deals,” citing the recent UGX 100 million cash-for-MPs scandal.
Ssentamu condemned the denial of his opportunity to speak at the Innovation Week event and accused university management of silencing student voices.
“Silencing students’ voices at such a gathering denied us the opportunity to address the challenges our youthful innovators face,” he said.
A Family Under Pressure
The backlash hasn’t just hit Ssentamu — it’s shaken his family too. Referring to his father, renowned government critic Mr. Fred Nyanzi, Ssentamu urged the public not to condemn them.
“My family has stood firm against oppression… The pictures in circulation should not be interpreted as betrayal but as a consequence of balancing personal beliefs with public responsibility.”
The Bottom Line
Ssentamu says he was fully aware of the political heat that would come with taking the Guild presidency — and he’s ready for it.
“I remain committed to the values of truth, justice, and servant leadership… I will work tirelessly for a better Makerere and Uganda where every voice is heard, respected, and protected.”
With this bombshell response, Ssentamu has drawn a line in the sand. He’s not apologizing — and he’s not backing down. The real question now is: will his critics let it rest?
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