NUP Defiant Lady Kadondi Gracious Wins Makerere University 92nd Guild Elections – Becomes 6 Female President Mak Has Ever Got In 100 Years

Kadondi Gracious, the candidate endorsed by the National Unity Platform (NUP), has won the guild presidential election at Makerere University, securing a commanding lead in a closely followed student vote that drew attention across Uganda’s academic and political circles.

Final results announced by the university electoral commission show Kadondi polling 6,801 votes, ahead of independent contender Hannah Karema Tumukunde, who received 5,787 votes. Tebakor Jimmy Prince, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), placed a distant third with 184 votes.

The figures highlight a clear victory margin for Kadondi in a race that had, at various stages, appeared competitive.

Analysts and student observers say turnout remained strong, reflecting heightened interest in student governance and the broader political undertones often associated with guild elections at Makerere.

The outcome reinforces NUP’s expanding footprint among young voters, particularly within institutions of higher learning. Kadondi’s campaign, which focused on student welfare, transparency, and leadership accountability, gained traction steadily, especially in the final stretch of the race.

According to detailed college-level results, Kadondi secured victories in roughly 90 percent of the university’s colleges, signaling widespread support across multiple academic constituencies. He carried key colleges including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS), College of Natural Sciences (CONAS), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), College of Education and External Studies (CEES), College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

Observers described this performance as decisive, noting that dominance across nearly all colleges effectively sealed the outcome early in the tallying process. The distribution of votes suggested not only numerical strength but also geographic and academic diversity in Kadondi’s support base.

Tebakor Jimmy Prince, the NRM flag bearer, garnered 184 votes, underscoring what analysts described as limited appeal for the ruling party within the university’s current student population. His performance, while expected by some, highlighted the challenges faced by traditional political structures in engaging younger, campus-based voters.

Guild elections at Makerere University have historically served as a bellwether for youth political sentiment in Uganda. This year’s result is likely to feed into broader discussions about shifting allegiances among young people, particularly in urban centers and elite academic spaces.

Kadondi now takes office at a time when expectations among students remain high. Key issues raised during the campaign included academic welfare, student representation, and improved service delivery across campus facilities. His administration will be closely watched for how it responds to these priorities.

Meanwhile, celebrations broke out in several parts of the campus following the announcement, with supporters chanting and waving party colors late into the evening. The transition process is expected to begin immediately, paving the way for a new guild leadership team.

Attention is now turning to how Kadondi Gracious will convert campaign momentum into governance, as students and stakeholders alike look ahead to the direction of leadership at Makerere University under his tenure.