Ssentamu Churchill James has officially assumed office as the new Makerere University Guild President, promising to serve with humility, resilience, and a deep commitment to the student body.
The colourful swearing-in ceremony, held in the Ivory Tower (Main Building) on March 21st, marked a significant transition in the university’s student leadership. Vice Guild President Gracious Kadondi also took the oath.
“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 acknowledgements to his family and campaign team.
Ssentamu reflected on his journey, noting that his political aspirations at Makerere began in 2023 when then-Guild President Vincent Nsamba Lubega filled in his application form. “He told me, ‘You should do political science, psychology, and sociology because that’s what I am doing,’” he shared.
The newly elected leader spoke of his determination to uplift Makerere’s status both locally and internationally. “We shall continue preaching the message of getting hard to be heard,” he declared. “Our emphasis shall equally be to revive Makerere’s position and recognition at the international level because that is where we rightfully belong.”
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 emphasised the importance of dialogue over disruption, noting that significant achievements were made during his term — 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 in a position to deliver some monumental and, to some extent, amountable decisions.”
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, commended both the outgoing and incoming leadership and urged 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 maintaining academic excellence alongside leadership responsibilities. “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.”
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, praised the smooth transition, highlighting the contributions 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.”
In his concluding remarks, Ssentamu rallied his peers and fellow student leaders to remain united and faithful to the students who elected them.
“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 left no doubt about his mission. “This is not just a personal honour 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 task of fulfilling a bold vision in one of Africa’s most prestigious universities — with hope, harmony, and dialogue leading the way.
