Makerere University Business School (MUBS) marked a historic milestone on March 25, 2025, as Nabwire Rose emerged victorious in the institution’s guild elections, securing 2,255 votes in a tightly contested race. Her landslide victory—winning by over 1,000 votes—signals a resounding endorsement of her leadership vision and commitment to student welfare. As the first female guild president in a decade, Nabwire’s election underscores a shift toward inclusive representation and progressive governance at Uganda’s premier business school.
Election Context and Outcome.
The race drew seven candidates, including Lukwago Henry (1,242 votes), Ambaho Taban (827 votes), and Tasobya Blessed (220 votes). Nabwire’s independent candidacy proved pivotal, allowing her to transcend partisan divides and unite students across faculties. Her campaign focused on student empowerment, academic reforms, and bridging gaps between the administration and student body.
The MUBS Electoral Commission confirmed the results late on March 25, with the university’s official X handle (@OfficialMubs) announcing her victory at 9:51 PM EAT. Social media erupted with celebrations, as students and alumni hailed her win as a testament to her grassroots mobilization and clear agenda.
Faculty-Specific Support and Campaign Strategy
Nabwire dominated voting across most faculties, particularly the Faculty of Business Administration (FOBA) and Faculty of Commerce (FOC), which delivered 636 and 450 votes, respectively. Her success stemmed from a unifying platform that prioritized inclusivity and student welfare, resonating with diverse academic constituencies.
Nabwire Rose. 1317. Lukwago Henry. 498. Ambaho Taba. 433
Her independent status allowed her to avoid political affiliations, appealing to students disillusioned with partisan agendas.
Leadership Background and Vision
A former Vice Guild President, Nabwire leveraged her experience to articulate a student-centric manifesto. Her campaign emphasized transparency, academic reforms, and welfare policies, positioning her as a leader dedicated to addressing systemic challenges like tuition concerns and infrastructure gaps.
As guild president, Nabwire faces pressing issues:
- Academic resources: Advocating for improved infrastructure and digital tools.
- Communication: Strengthening dialogue between students and administration.
- Tuition policies: Pushing for flexible payment structures to ease financial burdens.
Her predecessors navigated complex negotiations, and expectations are high for her to translate campaign promises into tangible action.
Historic Significance and Student Reactions
Nabwire’s election marks a watershed moment for MUBS, symbolizing a renewed commitment to gender equity in leadership. Students celebrated her victory as a victory for progressive leadership, with social media flooded with congratulatory messages.
@Edgar_Watson_A praised her “great leadership skills,” while @1005kgr highlighted the race’s competitiveness. Faith-based endorsements, such as @moini_daniel’s post, underscored her broad appeal.
Challenges Ahead
While Nabwire’s mandate is strong, she inherits a legacy of student-administration tensions. Key hurdles include:
- Tuition reforms: Addressing policies criticized for marginalizing private students.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Modernizing facilities to meet growing enrollment demands.
- Political neutrality: Balancing student interests without alienating the administration.
Her swearing-in, expected in the coming days, will formalize her role as a member of the University Council, amplifying student voices in institutional decision-making.
Conclusion:
Nabwire Rose’s election reflects MUBS’ desire for inclusive, non-partisan leadership. As the institution’s first female guild president in a decade, she embodies a shift toward student-driven governance. With her landslide victory and clear agenda, she is poised to navigate MUBS’ challenges while inspiring a new generation of leaders. The MUBS community eagerly awaits her tenure, hopeful that her vision will translate into meaningful change for Uganda’s future business professionals.