Makerere University Guild President, Ssentamu Churchill James, has issued a statement addressing the widespread reactions to a viral photo showing him alongside President Yoweri Museveni during the recent launch of the university’s Research and Innovation Week.
In a strongly-worded press release dated Friday, April 11, 2025, Sentamu clarified the context of the image and denounced claims that it signaled political alignment or betrayal.
“The pictures were taken while I was on official duty as Guild President… representing over 32,000 students with diverse political beliefs,” he stated.
Sentamu said the image had sparked unnecessary controversy, even affecting his family, and accused some individuals of using it to spread “blatant lies.” He urged the public not to judge his actions harshly, nor to associate his presence at the event with support for government policy.
“It is in my line of duty to account, follow up, and question Gen. Museveni’s day-to-day business because the power is in our hands,” he asserted.
I was only fulfilling my duties as a Guild President – Ssentamu Churchill speaks out. pic.twitter.com/mpSAwMurj8
— Mak Eyee (@mak_eyee) April 11, 2025
Criticism of University Management and Corruption
The Guild President also condemned Makerere University’s management for allegedly denying him a chance to speak during the high-profile event, which showcased government-funded research projects.
“Silencing the students’ voices… denied us the opportunity to address the challenges our youthful innovators face,” he said.
He argued that Uganda’s innovation struggles stem not from a lack of ideas but from deep-seated corruption, which he described as a “vice” spreading from government into academic institutions.
“Our innovations are failing because we are a prodigally corrupt nation… Our leaders steal at every opportunity, even intellectual property.”
He criticized Parliament’s recent controversial Shs 100 million allocation to MPs, arguing that such funds could instead empower young innovators to compete globally.
On Family, Responsibility, and Values
Sentamu acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on his family—particularly his father, political activist Fred Nyanzi—and called on the public not to conflate his official duties with his family’s legacy of resistance.
“The pictures… should not be interpreted as a betrayal of our shared values but as a consequence of balancing personal beliefs with public responsibility.”
Despite the backlash, Sentamu affirmed his continued commitment to truth, justice, and student leadership, stating that his presence at government events does not compromise his ideals.
“Relenting from my duties makes me a populist, not an executor,” he concluded. “I remain committed to the values of truth, justice, and servant leadership.”
The full press release is attached below:
