Authorities at Makerere University have blocked planned street jam events by leading student guild contenders, citing growing security concerns and the risk of violence as election tensions rise.
The decision follows plans by top candidates Gracious Kadondi and Hannah Karema to hold rival campaign concerts at the same venue in Kikoni, a move university officials feared could trigger clashes among supporters.
In a directive issued by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the university emphasized that all campaign activities must strictly remain online, " Sourced from The Kigezi Guardian" in line with the Makerere Students’ Guild Statute, 2022. Physical rallies, concerts, and processions have been banned both on and off campus.
Officials warned that intelligence reports indicated increasing mobilisation in Kikoni, which could escalate into violence and endanger students as well as the surrounding community.
The now-cancelled street jams had attracted major Ugandan artistes, turning what was meant to be campaign outreach into high-energy entertainment events. Kadondi’s lineup reportedly included popular performers like King Saha and Nubian Lee, while Karema had scheduled stars such as Sheebah Karungi and B2C Entertainment.
Despite the cancellation, tensions remain high between the rival camps. Kadondi questioned the fairness of the decision, claiming her team had secured the venue earlier and had initially received clearance. She also raised concerns about inconsistencies, pointing to a similar event that was allowed to proceed days earlier with police support.
Karema, on the other hand, urged adherence to the law, accusing her opponent of misleading supporters and escalating political hostility during the campaign period.
The race to replace outgoing Guild President Churchill Ssentamu has drawn 13 candidates, but analysts view Kadondi and Karema as the frontrunners in what has become one of the most closely watched student elections in recent years.
The university’s latest move reinforces an earlier directive banning all physical campaigning, following previous clashes during a guild debate that raised concerns about student safety.
With campaigns now restricted to digital platforms, candidates are expected to shift their strategies online as the election approaches, even as political temperatures on campus continue to rise.