I’m happy a woman won - Hannah Karema concedes to NUP’s Kadondi

Former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema  struck a conciliatory tone after losing the Makerere University guild presidential race, hailing the victory of Ms Gracious Kadondi as empowering for women. 

Karema said she was happy that a woman emerged victorious even though she fell short in her own bid.

The former beauty queen was defeated by National Unity Platform-backed Kadondi in the recently concluded election for the 92nd Guild President. 

Kadondi won with 6,801 votes, while Karema garnered 5,787 in a race that had drawn intense attention across campus.

In a chat with Sanyuka Tv, Karema said she may not take up a position if offered one in Kadondi’s cabinet, but that she took comfort in the fact that the guild will now be led by a woman.

“...I am very pleased that it’s a woman at the helm of the guild. It gives me joy in my heart because all my life, I have lived to fight for women,” Karema said.

She added that the strong showing by both her and Kadondi was, in itself, a victory for women.

“Indeed, seeing that in this race we were two women that were dominant in the race, I feel that’s enough for me,” she said.

Karema also wished the incoming guild president well and said she would continue serving in other ways.

The election followed a tense campaign season marked by fierce mobilisation, including clashes between supporters at the 92nd guild presidential debate, which was later halted.

Tensions also rose when both camps announced rival events  in Kikoni, prompting the university to ban physical rallies and direct that campaigns be conducted virtually.

Since her loss, Karema has since been urged to consider politics at a national level in the next election cycle.