In His Defence: Churchill Ssentamu Stood for Duty, Not Division
There has been an uproar in political and student circles after a photo circulated showing Churchill Ssentamu, the Guild President of Makerere University, seated next to President Yoweri Museveni during a recent visit to the university. Critics have rushed to label Churchill a “sellout,” “betrayer,” and worse — largely because of his family ties to the opposition. Churchill is the son of Bobi Wine’s brother, placing him firmly in the shadow of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figure and the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Uganda Today Edition: In His Defence: Churchill Ssentamu Stood for Duty, Not Division
By Harry Sagara
There has been an uproar in political and student circles after a photo circulated showing Churchill Ssentamu, the Guild President of Makerere University, seated next to President Yoweri Museveni during a recent visit to the university.
Critics have rushed to label Churchill a “sellout,” “betrayer,” and worse — largely because of his family ties to the opposition. Churchill is the son of Bobi Wine’s brother, placing him firmly in the shadow of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figure and the National Unity Platform (NUP).
But let’s cut through the noise: Churchill owes no apology for doing his job.
Leadership Means Doing What’s Right — Not What’s Popular
Churchill did not betray NUP, did not collaborate with the regime, and did not cross enemy lines. What he did was what any serious leader would do in his position: uphold the dignity of the institution he represents. By Virtue of Presidency, the president is the Chancellor of the University and is a Visitor in the sense of the word ever applied public Universities.
As Guild President, his role is to host all dignitaries visiting Makerere University — whether they are artists, diplomats, civil servants, or even the President of the Republic. His position is nonpartisan in function, and it demands protocol over politics.
Would it have been better if Churchill had walked out? Ignored the President? Disrupted the event? That would not only have embarrassed Makerere, but it would also have reflected poorly on the very movement — NUP — that claims to stand for youth empowerment, unity, and discipline.
We cannot be the party of the future if we keep punishing maturity, diplomacy, and common sense.
Understand the Difference: Protocol ≠ Partnership
Let’s be smart, not emotional. That photo of Churchill next to President Museveni is already being weaponized by NRM propaganda machines to suggest that even NUP is cozying up to the regime. But as a politically conscious public, we must see through the spin.
That seat wasn’t chosen by Churchill — it was assigned. He didn’t raise his hand to collaborate — he showed up to fulfill his constitutional duty as Guild President.
Hosting the President doesn’t mean endorsing him.
What Churchill Should Have Said (Instead of Apologizing)
If Churchill felt any pressure to explain himself, this is all he needed to say:
“I serve all Makerere students — regardless of political beliefs.
I hosted the President of the Republic out of duty, not allegiance.
My loyalty to the struggle for a better Uganda remains unwavering.”
And honestly, that’s all that needs to be said.
A Message to NUP and the Youth Movement
Let’s not turn every handshake into betrayal.
Let’s not demand defiance when duty calls for diplomacy.
Let’s not crucify one of our own simply because he acted with poise and professionalism.
Churchill Ssentamu remains one of us. He has stood firm for student voices. He has spoken truth to power before, and he will again. Let us not destroy his integrity over a viral moment misunderstood by the masses.
If anything, Churchill is a case study in political maturity — the kind we claim to want from the next generation of leaders. If we keep punishing calm leadership and rewarding only loud defiance, then we are not building a future — we are only fueling a cycle of rage.
Churchill, You Did Well — Now Get a PR Guy
If Churchill is reading this, here’s some advice: You need a crisis manager. You need a PR person who understands optics and how to craft your narrative in moments like this. Because this was a media storm, not a moral failure.
📞 Call me: +256 782-758-756
I’ll gladly be your PR Officer — because we’re in this together.
#ChurchillSsentamu #InHisDefence #MakererePolitics #YouthLeadership #NUPVoices #ThinkBeforeYouRant
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