Gracious Kadondi has been declared the winner of the highly contested guild presidential race at Makerere University, defeating former beauty queen Hannah Karema Tumukunde in a closely followed election.
Running on the ticket of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Kadondi secured 6,801 votes to claim the top seat, while Karema, who ran as an independent candidate, garnered 5,787 votes to finish second. The race attracted 13 candidates and generated widespread interest both on and off campus.
Kadondi’s victory sees her become the 92nd Guild President, further cementing the role of the university’s electronic voting system in shaping student leadership. The digital platform enabled students to cast their ballots via mobile phones, contributing to a steady voter turnout throughout the day.
Despite minor technical challenges, the voting process was largely smooth, with active participation and vibrant discussions across halls of residence and lecture spaces.
Results were announced by the university’s Electoral Commission during a virtual session, sparking celebrations among Kadondi’s supporters. Chants, songs, and waving banners filled sections of the campus as NUP supporters marked the win.
Security remained tight throughout the exercise, ensuring order during one of the most competitive student elections in the country.
Kadondi now assumes office at a time when student leadership at Makerere continues to draw significant national attention, with high expectations surrounding her tenure.
