Freshers’ Ball fracas forces Makerere Guild minister to resign

The fallout from Makerere University’s controversial 2026 Freshers’ Ball has taken another turn, with the Guild Minister of Culture, Mobilisation and Social Affairs, Mutebi Edward, resigning from his position following disagreements with the university’s 92nd Guild leadership.

In a resignation letter dated November 2, 2026, and addressed to the 92nd Guild President, H.E. Kadondi Gracious, Mutebi announced that he was stepping down from his ministerial position with immediate effect.

The minister cited disagreements over the organisation of the Freshers’ Ball held on October 31, accusing the Guild President of interfering with the event’s programme and undermining the work of his ministry.

In the letter, Mutebi claimed that the Guild President and Vice President had stayed away from the planning meetings, which involved the Dean of Students, security team and sponsors.

He further alleged that the President arrived at the event late, accompanied by family members and friends, and attempted to take his entourage backstage without proper accreditation.

According to Mutebi, the situation escalated when the Guild President allegedly attempted to go on stage ahead of the agreed programme, resulting in a disagreement involving security personnel, sponsors and a guest artiste.

He described the incident as embarrassing and blamed the Guild President’s conduct for the confusion that followed.

Mutebi, who took his oath of office on April 15, 2026, also used his resignation letter to highlight some of the achievements he said his ministry had registered during his tenure.

These included securing partnerships with Made in Uganda, obtaining a headline sponsorship for the university bazaar, facilitating the return of Coca-Cola after a break since 2022, and organising the FIFA World Cup watch party and Freshers’ Ball.

He also credited his ministry, working alongside Mary Stuart SCR, for reviving movie nights on campus.

The outgoing minister expressed gratitude to his deputy, Hon. Nuwusasira Mercy, Chairman Ojambo Romerus of Nsibirwa Hall and Nahurira Derrick, whom he described as a friend and loyal aide, as well as the university administration and fellow student leaders.

However, he accused the Guild President of taking credit for work he had not done, frustrating his ministry’s activities and putting personal interests above those of students.

“The Freshers’ Ball was the last straw for me. I leave your cabinet gladly with my dignity intact. I go with a cheerful heart, richer in friends and experience,” Mutebi wrote.

His resignation comes amid growing scrutiny of the October 31 Freshers’ Ball, which attracted public attention following an incident involving a former student whose conduct at the event sparked widespread discussion on social media.

On November 3, Makerere University issued a statement expressing concern over the incident, distancing itself from conduct it said undermined the values and standards expected of members of the university community.

The university also announced an immediate review of security and event management protocols for university-sanctioned social events.