Kampala, Uganda — Makerere University, known as the prestigious "hill of knowledge" in the heart of Africa, is now grappling with a significant leadership crisis within its student government. Over the past weekend, tensions escalated as Hon. Omujugujugu Moses, a Guild Representative Council (GRC) member and Leader of Opposition for the 90th Guild Government, filed a formal petition against Guild President Lubega Vincent Nsamba.
Accusations of Incompetence and Absenteeism
The petition alleges that Nsamba’s leadership has been plagued by absenteeism and a lack of commitment to his responsibilities. According to Hon. Omujugujugu, the Guild President has been conspicuously absent from GRC sessions, attending only a single meeting related to the budget since his tenure began. Omujugujugu's petition calls for Nsamba’s removal, describing his absence as detrimental to the student body's representation. “We need a leader who is present and actively involved in addressing issues that matter to us,” stated Omujugujugu, expressing frustration shared by many students.
The Freshers Ball Fiasco
This leadership turmoil comes at a time when the campus community was already facing discontent. The highly anticipated Freshers Ball, an annual event welcoming new students, was abruptly postponed just hours before it was set to begin. The delay, attributed to late disbursement of allowances to government-sponsored students, caused frustration not only among students but also within the business community on campus. Many vendors had set up stalls expecting a lucrative event, only to face last-minute cancellations. Although the allowance issue was resolved shortly afterward, the sudden change fueled criticisms against Nsamba's leadership.
A Plea for Reconciliation
In an attempt to mend his strained relationship with the students, Guild President Nsamba recently reached out to Makerere University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his letter, Nsamba requested clemency for students who had been suspended following protests over the delayed release of allowances. This gesture, while appreciated by some, is viewed by others as a last-ditch effort to regain trust among students and university administrators.
What’s Next for Makerere’s Student Leadership?
This unfolding leadership crisis has underscored a critical question about accountability and effective governance within Makerere University’s Guild. The result of Omujugujugu’s petition will likely set a precedent for future student leaders, emphasizing the need for active engagement and responsibility. For now, all eyes are on Nsamba, as the student body and administration await the next developments in this ongoing saga.