When was the 91st Makerere Guild President sworn in?
Ssentamu Churchill James has officially assumed office as the 91st Makerere University Guild President, promising to serve with humility, resilience, and a deep commitment to the student body.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Ivory Tower (Main Building) on March 21, 2025, marked a transition in student leadership. Gracious Kadondi also took the oath as Vice Guild President.
“Who are we to be standing here?” Ssentamu said in an emotionally charged speech. “It’s been God’s grace all through. We thank Him for His mercy.” A devout Christian, the new Guild President opened his address with a biblical invocation and heartfelt acknowledgments to his family and campaign team.
What has the new guild President promised?
Ssentamu reflected on his journey, noting that his political ambitions at Makerere began in 2023 when then-Guild President Vincent Nsamba Lubega encouraged him to pursue leadership.
“He told me, ‘You should do political science, psychology, and sociology because that’s what I am doing,’” he shared.
Now at the helm, Ssentamu pledged to elevate Makerere’s status both locally and internationally. “We shall continue preaching the message of getting hard to be heard,” he declared. “Our emphasis shall be to revive Makerere’s position and recognition at the international level because that is where we rightfully belong.”
Words from LUBEGA, Outgoing Guild President
Outgoing Guild President Vincent Nsamba Lubega used the occasion to caution against confrontational leadership.
“There has always been a one-sided belief that student leaders must confront the university administration—which is very wrong,” he said. “We have been able to establish a good working relationship between University Management and the Student Leadership.”
Lubega emphasized dialogue over disruption, highlighting key achievements during his tenure, including efforts to revise tuition policy, implement the student work scheme, and advocate for more inclusive student support.
“You must only be persuasive,” he advised. “And it is only through that we’ve been able to deliver some monumental and, to some extent, amountable decisions.”
What did the Makerere University Management say?
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza commended both the outgoing and incoming leadership, urging the new team to work within the university’s regulations.
“We are counting on you,” Prof. Buyinza said. “Please acquaint yourself with the policies, regulations, and structures that govern students and the wider university community.”
He stressed the importance of balancing leadership with academics. “You cannot excel in leadership when you are lagging behind in your academic undertakings,” he said. “Surely, you will not have done justice to yourself or your family.”
Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, praised the smooth transition, recognizing the achievements of the outgoing leadership while welcoming the new team. “We have witnessed remarkable progress and achievements,” she said. “And we look forward to working with Churchill and his team to further improve the student experience.”
What were the final remarks from Ssentamu as the 91st Guild President?
In his concluding remarks, Ssentamu rallied his peers and fellow student leaders to remain united and accountable. “We are gathered here to witness the beginning of a new political chapter,” he said. “Each one of you that has taken us to this day—I salute you. You are nothing without the students.”
As he officially took up the mantle of leadership, he made his mission clear: “This is not just a personal honor to us; it is a sacred trust. May we serve diligently. May we not give up on the promises we made.”
The Guild Government 2025–2026 under Ssentamu’s leadership now faces the challenge of fulfilling its vision—one that promises hope, harmony, and dialogue in one of Africa’s most prestigious universities.
