Makerere Guild President responds to NUP's criticism over Museveni's visit

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Churchill James Ssentamu, the 91st Guild President of Makerere University and son of National Unity Platform (NUP) national mobilizer Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, has responded to growing criticism over his recent photo with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The photo, which went viral on social media, was taken during Makerere University’s Research and Innovation Week where President Museveni was the chief guest.

 Ssentamu, who won the race for the guild presidency as an independent candidate with 3,459 votes after being denied a NUP endorsement, says the photo was taken while performing his official duties as Guild President, a role in which he represents more than 45,000 students of diverse political affiliations.

The criticism came primarily from NUP supporters and some members of his own family, including his father (Nyanzi), who criticized Churchill for appearing alongside what they termed a “political enemy.”

In a circulating video, Nyanzi expressed disappointment over the image and called on his son to either apologize or resign from the guild leadership.

However, during a press briefing at Makerere University on April 11, 2025, Churchill defended his action, emphasizing that his appearance with the President was purely professional and not political.

“These pictures were taken while I was on my official duty as GuiId President at the launch of Research and Innovation week, representing over 45,000 students of diverse political minds, beliefs, and I think it at this point that I would like to encourage Ugandans to enhance tolerance for diversity,” he added.

Churchill further explained that Makerere University, being a public institution, President Museveni by virtue of his office as stipulated in Article 99 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda vests executive authority in him to be responsible for the welfare of the citizens and safeguard the laws of Uganda among others.

He noted that Ugandans must know that in hierarchy and the tree of administration at Makerere University, President Museveni is a visitor on top of the chancellor and the chairperson of the university council.

He noted that as a guild president, he also has a duty to engage with such leaders on matters of policy, good governance, and student welfare.

“It is my line of duty to account, follow up, and question Mr Museveni’s day-today business because we have the power in our hands to do so, not only as a student but as a guild president in regards to Makerere University,” he noted.

He stressed that relenting from his responsibilities as Guild President would reduce him to a mere populist, rather than an executor.

He also acknowledged that, as someone guided by moral values, he remains deeply troubled by the ongoing injustices in the country, many of which he attributes to the current regime.

“However, in my line of duty, I find myself sharing the same workspace with government officials, lest we forget, I am the guild president because of the will of God and that of the students of this great university who are my electorate. That means I must put students' interests above my personal and political beliefs,” he noted.

Churchill also addressed criticism aimed at his father, urging the public to avoid condemning his family for his (Churchill) actions as the guild president.

He made it clear that his actions were independent and aligned with his duties as a student leader.

He stressed that the photos should not be seen as betrayal but as a reflection of the balance he must maintain between personal convictions and public service, a responsibility he willingly sought.

When asked to comment on his father’s disapproval, Churchill respectfully declined to engage in a public family dispute, saying as a son and Muganda by tribe, he cannot speak against his father, but as a Guild President, he has to make decisions that align with his responsibilities.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the values that got him elected.

“Therefore, I remain committed to the values of truth, justice, and servant leadership. I will continue to walk in the light of our shared ideals and work tirelessly for a better Makerere and Uganda where every voice is heard, respected, and protected,” he added.