Makerere University Guild President, Ssentamu James Churchill who is also a son to National Unity Platform’s head of Mobilization, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu has spoken out on circumstances surrounding his poising for a photo with President Museveni.
Ssentamu was on Tuesday captured in a group photo with President Museveni who was at Makerere for the research and innovations week.
The photo has sparked debate on social media.
His father has since asked him to apologise publically.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Ssentamu dismissed claims that his presence in the photos signaled a shift in his political stance or a betrayal of the student body.
He emphasized that his attendance at the event was in his official capacity as Guild President, representing over 32,000 students.
“I want to categorically state that these pictures were taken while I was on official duty as the Guild President of Makerere University,” he clarified.
“I was there to represent students, regardless of their political beliefs. Any attempts to use these images to distort my commitment to justice and good governance are in bad faith.”
The Makerere Guild President expressed disappointment that some individuals were using the images to push false narratives and sow division.
He urged the public to view his presence at the event within the context of his leadership role, rather than a personal alignment with the ruling government.
“As a leader, I have a duty to engage with all stakeholders, including those I may not agree with politically,” he explained. “That does not mean I am in agreement with all their actions or policies. Leadership is about serving the people, not avoiding difficult spaces.”
Churchill also took the opportunity to call out corruption and mismanagement in the country, stating that such vices were the biggest obstacles to Uganda’s development, particularly in the field of innovation.
“Our problem as a country is not a lack of ideas,” he said. “It is a deeply rooted culture of corruption that is killing innovation. We must have the courage to call out these injustices, even if it means engaging with those in power to hold them accountable.”
Addressing concerns about his family’s stance, Churchill defended his father, Mr. Fred Nyanzi, and other family members, asserting that their long-standing commitment to fighting oppression remained unshaken.
“My family has been at the forefront of resisting injustice in Uganda,” he noted. “I urge the public not to condemn them for my responsibilities as Guild President. I was elected to serve the students, and that means making difficult choices.”
Churchill reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, truth, and student interests, vowing to continue advocating for a better Makerere and a just Uganda.
“I will not be deterred by propaganda or political mischief,” he declared. “My leadership is guided by truth, justice, and the collective interests of the students. I remain steadfast in my duty to question, follow up, and hold leaders accountable because power belongs to the people.”
His remarks come amid growing criticism of the university administration for allegedly silencing student voices at the launch of the Research and Innovation Week.
Churchill condemned the move, arguing that students deserved a platform to address the challenges they face in innovation.
By addressing the controversy head-on, the Makerere Guild President has sought to refocus attention on the real issues at hand corruption, student representation, and the need for an inclusive innovation ecosystem in Uganda.
