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Makerere Guild President battles impersonators amid family drama

Makerere University Guild President James Churchill Ssentamu is facing impersonators while juggling family issues and his role at Uganda’s biggest university.
Makerere University Guild President James Churchill Ssentamu
Makerere University Guild President James Churchill Ssentamu

Makerere University Guild President James Churchill Ssentamu is facing impersonators while juggling family issues and his role at Uganda’s biggest university.

On April 9, he took to X to warn followers about a fake Facebook page impersonating him.

He shared a screenshot of the page and clarified, “I do not actively use Facebook and the post making rounds on the app isn’t from me! KINDLY disregard any prevailing propaganda, especially regarding my role as Guild President. I’ll address the public at the right time via my official social media pages. Stay woke!!!”

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Earlier, his father, Fred Nyanzi, who also serves as the National Unity Platform (NUP) mobilisation chairperson, called on him to resign from his position as Guild President after a controversial photo surfaced showing Ssentamu with President Yoweri Museveni.

In a viral video, Nyanzi, brother to NUP leader Bobi Wine, expressed his anger over the image.

"I received news that annoyed Ugandans and upset me greatly… I saw pictures of my son with the dictator. My son, Churchill, that man you’re seated with is a dangerous man... He doesn't wish you any good. His hands are bloodstained," Nyanzi said, referring to Museveni.

Chairman Nyanzi, a former parliamentary candidate, urged his son to apologise to Ugandans and reminded him of the family’s allegiance to NUP.

“It’s true you won on an independent ticket, but you're out son. The world sees a lot in you," he added.

James Churchill Ssentamu, who was elected Makerere’s 91st Guild President in March, failed to secure a NUP ticket for the role.

President Museveni, attending Makerere’s Research and Innovations Week on April 8, addressed the issue of Africa's slow progress in science and technology.

He stated that this lag had historically contributed to Africa's colonial exploitation.

"From the very beginning, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recognised this as one of the major bottlenecks for Uganda and Africa’s progress, as well as the survival of our people," Museveni said.

The President also urged Africans to overcome feelings of inferiority that have made them vulnerable to external influence despite their ability to solve their own challenges.

He praised Makerere students for their innovations, which, he said, showed a renewed academic awakening. Museveni stressed the importance of using intellectual skills to drive technological development.

He also addressed concerns about government funding, noting that while the arts remain important, survival should be prioritised.

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