Makerere University Has Urged Guild Candidates to Comply With Virtual Campaign and Voting Policies

Makerere University management has issued a formal reminder today, April 7, 2026, urging all Student Guild Presidential candidates and their supporters to strictly adhere to established electoral regulations.

The directive, issued by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, has sought to align current campaign activities with the university’s legal framework for student leadership transitions.

In a circular released this morning, the Office of the Dean of Students has observed that some candidates are organizing campaign concerts and gatherings outside the university, specifically in Kikoni.

Management has reminded the student body that according to the Makerere University Students’ Guild Statute 2022, Section 10(b), all student elections must be conducted virtually unless the University Council determines otherwise.

The university has emphasized today that, in line with these regulations, all campaign activities are expected to take place online. The administration has clarified that physical rallies, processions, and concerts intended to mobilize support—whether inside or outside the university premises—are not permitted under the current statutory requirements.

This call for compliance has followed credible reports indicating that physical mobilization efforts in Kikoni could potentially escalate into violence, posing a risk to the safety of students and the surrounding community.

Dr. Kabumbuli has urged all students today to cooperate fully with University Security and the Electoral Commission to ensure a peaceful process. The administration has noted that any student or group found in breach of these regulations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University policies.

University Security has remained tasked with supporting these compliance efforts to safeguard the student body. Management has maintained that these measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all candidates compete within the officially recognized virtual format.