By Alexander Luyima
Director, Community Programs and Information, African Descent Ontario
A Storm Over a Photo: When Duty Clashes with Partisan Politics
It is both shocking and disappointing that a section of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters—and even his own father, Ssentamu Nyanzi—have lashed out at Makerere University Guild President Churchill James Ssentamu over a photograph with Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Chancellor of the institution.
Before we rush to judgment, let us pause and reflect: Is it betrayal to fulfill one’s duty, or is it leadership to engage with authority when the role demands it?
Churchill Ssentamu: A Leader, Not a Party Puppet
Churchill Ssentamu was not handed the NUP party flag during the primaries. He ran as an independent candidate, earned the trust of the students, and was elected by a diverse body of youth—cutting across tribes, religions, and political affiliations. His mandate comes from the students, not party loyalists.
> “Leadership is not about blind allegiance to a party, but about serving the people who elected you.”
— Dr. Olivia Rutazibwa, Political Analyst & Governance Expert
The backlash from his own father, Mr. Ssentamu Nyanzi—who publicly called for his son’s resignation—reveals more about generational political rigidity than any wrongdoing by Churchill. A leader must follow the mandate of those who elected him, not the personal grievances of family or party hardliners.
Respect for Institutions Over Partisan Grandstanding
In African tradition, when the drum sounds at the palace, the village gathers—not out of love for the king, but out of respect for the throne. Mr. Museveni, beyond being a political figure, is the Chancellor of Makerere University. Refusing to attend an official function or shunning a photograph would have been an act of insubordination, not heroism.
> “A leader must know when to engage, even with adversaries, if it serves the greater institutional good.”
— Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Scholar & Author of Citizen and Subject
To Those Crying “Betrayal”: Check Your Priorities
To the NUP supporters accusing Churchill of betrayal, here’s a reality check: You cannot deny someone a seat at your table, then blame them for eating elsewhere. The party denied him a flag; the students gave him a throne. Let him lead with dignity.
Politics should never overshadow service. The students elected Churchill to represent them—not to wage proxy partisan wars.
A Call for Maturity in Leadership
Africa’s future depends on leaders who rise above tribalism, party politics, and performative activism. Churchill’s measured approach—engaging where necessary, without compromising his principles—demonstrates a maturity that many of his critics lack.
> “The lion doesn’t roar to prove it’s a lion—it leads the pride in silence.”
— African Proverb
Final Word: Let the Young Man Lead
To our passionate comrades in NUP: Take a chill pill. Let Churchill Ssentamu do his job. Let politics fade where it must, and let leadership thrive where it should—on the stage of service, unity, and progress.
The students spoke. Let their voice be heard.
Let the young man lead.
Alexander Luyima is the Director of Community Programs and Information at African Descent Ontario. Follow him on social media @alexander.luyima for more insights on African politics and leadership.
