Former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema eyes Makerere Guild presidency

When beauty queens step away from the runway, many retreat quietly into private careers or philanthropy. For Hannah Karema, however, it is different.

The former Miss Uganda (2023/24) has declared her bid for Guild President at Makerere University, stepping into one of the country’s most competitive student leadership races.

“Leadership has always been my calling. God willing, I’m ready to serve the interests of my fellow students,” Karema said.

She explains that her reign exposed her to deeper systemic challenges.

“When I became Miss Uganda, I got exposed to many absurd realities in our country,” she noted. Through the Hannah Karema Foundation, she carried out charity initiatives but encountered obstacles.

“I met multiple political barriers that limited our progress. There is a lack of political will to resolve the day-to-day challenges faced by average Ugandans in academic institutions and the country at large.”

It is this frustration that fueled her decision to run. “I decided to step up for guild presidency because I want to change this narrative. We need to breed a generation of leaders with good political will who can serve in the best interest of the public.”

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Karema believes change must begin at Makerere because it has long regarded as a cradle of national leadership. “Before looking at our country as a whole, it is only right that I start from Makerere,” she said.

Her agenda includes advocating for fair tuition policies to support financially disadvantaged students, pushing for increased allowances for government-sponsored learners and introducing supplementary exams for finalists. “Charity cannot cater for all, but good policies can empower everyone,” she emphasized.

Karema says she wants to be “a pro-student leader” and restore political freedom on campus. “Like my campaign slogan says, I want to reboot the ivory tower and fix some of the general challenges affecting the student community.”

Hannah Karema was among the Top 8 at the Miss World pageant and also emerged as Miss World Africa 1st Runner-Up.

The Road Map

According to the office of the Speaker, Muhumuza Tusabe, the election timeline kicked off on March 2, 2026 with the release of the roadmap by the Electoral Commission (EC). Nominations for candidates opened today March 3, 2026. The deadline for submitting nominations is midnight, March 5, 2026.

The vetting of candidates is scheduled for March 7 at 2:00pm.

In preparation for the elections, the voters’ register will be displayed on March 10, 2026. The campaign trail will culminate in a debate on March 14.

The online voting process is slated for March 16, with the exact date for the swearing-in ceremony of the new guild leaders to be communicated later.

“The roadmap reflects our commitment to conducting a fair, transparent, and efficient electoral process,” said Muhumuza Tusabe. “We urge all eligible members to actively participate and uphold the values of democracy.”