Chairman Nyanzi Blasts Son Over Viral Photo With Museveni, Calls for Apology or Resignation
Kampala, Uganda – April 9, 2025 –
Fred Nyanzi, popularly known as Chairman Nyanzi and the Head of Mobilization for the National Unity Platform (NUP), has expressed deep disappointment after a photo of his son, Ssentamu Churchill James, the current Guild President of Makerere University, surfaced online showing him posing with President Yoweri Museveni.
The viral image, which began circulating on social media on Tuesday, captures Churchill alongside other student leaders sharing a moment with the long-serving Ugandan leader. The photo has sparked mixed reactions, especially from opposition supporters and pro-change activists, who view any form of association with Museveni as a betrayal.
In a strongly worded statement released today, Nyanzi, who is also the brother of opposition figurehead Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), did not hold back in criticizing his son’s actions.
“I’m equally disappointed, just like many Ugandans who are yearning for real change. As someone raised within a political family that has paid the price for standing against dictatorship, Churchill’s decision to fraternize with President Museveni is unacceptable,” Nyanzi stated.
He further called on Churchill to either publicly apologize to Ugandans or resign from his position as Guild President.
“You cannot dine with the very system that your people are struggling to break free from and expect to maintain your legitimacy as a leader of the youth. Churchill must choose: either apologize and reaffirm his commitment to the cause or step down honorably,” Nyanzi added.
The controversy has stirred debate within the student body and the general public, with some defending Churchill’s actions as part of his duties as a student leader, while others see it as political compromise.
Churchill James has yet to comment on the matter.
This incident comes at a time when tensions remain high between the ruling government and the opposition, especially in academic institutions like Makerere, which have long been hotbeds of political activism.
