Kinyanya Nyanya, musicians kicked out of Makerere University guild campaigns

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Tensions continue to rise at Makerere University after the university administration banned all physical campaign activities, adding a new layer to an already contentious Students' Guild election season.

This follows earlier complaints from the Gracious Kadondi campaign team, which accused authorities of inconsistency and unfairness after their planned “Street Jam” was cancelled despite prior clearance from Uganda Police.

However, a new directive from the Office of the Dean of Students explains the cancellations. In a letter dated April 7, 2026, Dean of Students Dr Winifred Kabumbuli reminded students that, under the Makerere University Students Guild Statute 2022, all student election campaigns are required to be conducted virtually, unless otherwise authorised by the University Council.

All campaign activities must take place online. Physical rallies, concerts, processions, and any form of in-person mobilisation, whether on campus or in surrounding areas like Kikoni, are strictly prohibited.

The administration also cited security concerns, revealing that it had received “credible reports” indicating that physical mobilisation activities in Kikoni could escalate into violence, posing risks to both students and the wider community.

“All students are therefore urged to comply fully with University electoral regulations and to cooperate with University Security and the Electoral Commission,” the letter states, warning that any violations could result in disciplinary action.

This directive directly addresses the controversy raised by the Kadondi camp, which had questioned why earlier campaign events, particularly one held in Kikoni, were allowed to proceed with police facilitation, while others were halted.

The university’s position now suggests a broader enforcement shift rather than selective treatment, though it does not explicitly explain why earlier events appeared to bypass these restrictions.

Still, the timing of the enforcement has done little to ease concerns among candidates and their supporters. Candidates argue that implementing strict rules mid-campaign risks disadvantaging those who had already invested in physical mobilisation strategies.

“After the stage had been raised, the police released a letter that the event has been cancelled till end of elections,” said Hannah Karema, former Miss Uganda and now a presidential candidate, expressing frustration over what she described as abrupt disruptions to already organised campaign activities.

The cancelled campaign events had been designed as high-energy music shows, largely defined by performances from some of Uganda’s top musicians and DJs. Candidates had turned to star power to pull crowds.

Hanah Karema, for instance, had lined up acts such as DJ Suuna Ben (of Kinyanyanya fame), Gloria Bugie, B2C Entertainment, Ykee Benda, and Sheebah Karungi to spice up her rallies. Her competitor, Kadondi Gracious, had similarly curated a vibrant lineup for her “Street Jam,” bringing on board performers like Daxx Vibes, Nina Roz, King Saha and Nubian Li.

Makerere University’s guild election day is set for April 9, 2026.