By Johannah Nantongo
A former national beauty queen has officially joined the contest for Guild President at Makerere University, adding fresh momentum to the institution’s ongoing student electoral process.
Hannah Karema, a Political Science student in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has declared her bid to lead the student body. She aims to succeed James Churchill Ssentamu, whose term as Guild President is coming to an end.
Karema first gained national recognition after being crowned Miss Uganda, a platform she used to advocate for youth empowerment, expanded access to education, and community development initiatives. Her tenure as beauty queen saw her engage in outreach programs focused on inspiring young people and promoting social responsibility.
Now turning her attention to campus leadership, Karema says her campaign will prioritise strengthening academic systems, improving student services, enhancing mental health support, and fostering better communication between students and university administrators. She believes her background in advocacy and public engagement positions her to represent student interests effectively.
Her entry into the race comes at a time when the university has placed strict guidelines on campaign activities. The current guild elections at Makerere are being conducted entirely online following a ban on physical rallies, campaign posters, and on-campus mobilisation.
In a recent directive, Dean of Students Winfred Kabumbuli urged all candidates and their supporters to adhere to the set guidelines. The measures, she noted, are intended to ensure that teaching and learning proceed without interruption and that the election period remains peaceful and orderly.
The shift to digital campaigns reflects the university’s broader efforts to maintain stability while still allowing students to exercise their democratic right to choose their leaders.