Hannah Karema Concedes Defeat in Makerere Guild Race, Vows to Continue Advocacy
Former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema Tumukunde has officially conceded defeat following the highly contested Makerere University guild presidential election.
Karema, who ran a strong and widely supported campaign, lost to National Unity Platform (NUP)-affiliated candidate Gracious Kadondi, who was elected the 92nd Guild President on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
In a message shared via her social media platforms on Friday morning, Karema thanked her supporters—popularly known as “Rebooters”—for the trust and confidence they placed in her candidacy.
“Dear Rebooters, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to you for believing in my candidature and for championing our agenda of Rebooting the Ivory Tower,” she wrote.
Karema emphasized that the 5,787 votes she secured reflect a clear desire among students for transformative leadership focused on welfare, academic reforms, and social freedoms.
Running on her “Reboot the Ivory Tower” manifesto, Karema built one of the most visible and policy-driven campaigns in recent Makerere guild elections. Her platform addressed key student concerns, including tuition policies, supplementary exams, cost of living, and academic rights.
Her popularity—bolstered by her profile in the entertainment industry—helped her mobilize significant support across multiple colleges, ultimately finishing as the runner-up in a race that attracted over a dozen candidates.
Despite the loss, Karema signaled that her political and advocacy journey is far from over.
“This is not the end nor the beginning. It is the end of the beginning. It’s the time for us to recollect ourselves and continue to offer selfless service through other available avenues,” she stated.
She reaffirmed her commitment to pushing for reforms in Uganda’s education system, suggesting that her next steps will extend beyond campus leadership.
Karema’s concession brings closure to one of the most competitive and politically significant guild elections in Makerere University’s history. While Gracious Kadondi assumes office, Karema’s strong showing has positioned her as a notable voice in student leadership and youth advocacy moving forward.
Her campaign leaves behind a mobilized base and a clear reform agenda—factors that could shape future student politics and broader conversations around education in Uganda.