In a political twist that’s sent shockwaves through Uganda’s power corridors, James Churchill Ssentamu—the newly elected 91st Guild President of Makerere University and nephew to opposition leader Bobi Wine—has held a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.
Ssentamu, the son of Fred Nyanzi (the National Unity Platform’s head of mobilization and a fierce Museveni critic), led his cabinet to meet the President in a move many did not see coming.
The significance? Deep political divides run in Ssentamu’s bloodline—his family’s brand is one of resistance, not reconciliation.
The Makerere election was tight. Ssentamu won with 3,459 votes, edging out John Bosco Rukundo of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who garnered 3,267.
Even more intriguing, Ssentamu had earlier lost the NUP nomination to Ismail Basalirwa, who finished third with 3,126 votes. Rather than retreat, he ran as an independent—a bold move that raised eyebrows within his party.
For many Ugandans, the real drama lies not in the election, but in Ssentamu’s handshake with Museveni. This isn’t just any student leader—it’s the nephew of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figure, Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine. And it’s not just any family—Fred Nyanzi, Ssentamu’s father, is a pillar in the anti-Museveni movement.
Ssentamu’s unexpected visit to State House may signal a different kind of politics—one driven by pragmatism over party loyalty. It’s a delicate dance. While some praise him for stepping above partisan lines, others see it as betrayal.
Taking over from Vincent Lubega Nsamba, Ssentamu inherits pressing issues. Tuition hikes, student welfare, and the fight for academic freedom dominated his campaign. As Guild President, he now sits on the University Council and leads the student guild and cabinet—roles that demand both diplomacy and conviction.
Adding to his profile, Ssentamu also serves as secretary of the Baganda Nkobazambogo Students Association, an influential cultural body at the university.
Whether his meeting with Museveni reflects a shift in political winds or a calculated move to serve students better remains to be seen. What’s certain is this: Uganda’s political landscape just got a lot more interesting.
