NUP’s Kadondi Defeats Karema in Makerere Guild Race

Gracious Kadondi Celebrating her victory on Thursday at Makerere University

KAMPALA — National Unity Platform (NUP)-leaning candidate Gracious Kadondi has defeated former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema in a closely watched Makerere University guild election, cementing the influence of party-backed student politics on campus.

“Kadondi Gracious has won with 6801 votes,” Makerere University announced late Thursday, confirming her as the incoming 92nd Guild President.

Karema garnered 5,787 votes.

The race had drawn unusual national attention, largely due to Karema’s high-profile entry from the beauty pageant world into student leadership.

Running on a “Service Above Self” platform, Karema campaigned on issues including fair tuition policies and improved welfare for government-sponsored students, while leveraging strong visibility on social media.

However, Kadondi’s victory underscores the enduring strength of organized political structures within Makerere’s electoral landscape, particularly the mobilization machinery associated with NUP-leaningstudent blocs.

NUP leader Bobi Wine, who had openly backed Kadondi, welcomed the outcome shortly after results were declared.

“Congratulations, Madam President! Congratulations, Gallant Makererians! The struggle continues!” he posted.

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In earlier campaign messaging, Bobi Wine had urged students to rally behind Kadondi, describing her as a candidate whose leadership potential resonated beyond campus.

The result marks a significant political statement within Uganda’s most prominent university, where guild elections have historically mirrored broader national political alignments.

While Karema’s candidacy injected glamour and widened public interest in the race, the final tally highlighted a familiar pattern — that grassroots organization, ideological alignment, and structured student networks remain decisive.

Kadondi now takes over from outgoing guild president Ssentamu James Churchill, inheriting a student body grappling with persistent concerns around tuition, welfare, and campus conditions.