Makerere University Guild President James Churchill Ssentamu has dismissed mounting calls for his resignation following his public appearance alongside President Museveni earlier this week.
Facing criticism from both the public and his own family—particularly from his father, National Unity Platform (NUP) national mobiliser Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu—Churchill addressed the media on Friday, refusing to step down and calling the backlash “lies” driven by “opportunists.”
The controversy erupted after a photo surfaced showing Churchill seated beside President Museveni during the launch of the 2025 Makerere Research and Innovation Week at the university’s Freedom Square on Tuesday, April 8.
The image quickly drew ire from NUP supporters who accused Churchill of betraying the party’s values, given his strong family ties to the opposition. Fred Nyanzi is the elder brother of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine.
In a strongly worded press briefing, Churchill stood his ground, emphasizing that his role as guild president requires him to engage with all national leaders, regardless of political affiliation.
“My father has an independent role as the national mobiliser for the NUP, but that ends there. As guild president, I am not obliged to take political directives from him,” he said. “The pictures of me with Mzee Museveni were taken while I was on official duty, representing over 45,000 students.”
Churchill appealed for a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, urging Ugandans to avoid politicizing student leadership roles. “I encourage Ugandans to enhance tolerance for diversity. The photos have been used by opportunists to stir my family and the student community. They are telling blatant lies to the public.”
Despite his father’s public call for resignation, Churchill made it clear he will not be stepping down, asserting his commitment to the office and the students he represents.