KAMPALA, Uganda: Electoral Commission has removed National Unity Platform flag-bearer Mathias Walukagga from the Busiro East parliamentary contest after finding out that he did not meet the minimum academic requirements for nomination.
The Commission ruled that the Mature Age Entry Certificate Walukagga submitted had already expired by the time he sought nomination on October 23, 2025.
A petition filed on November 4 indicated that the certificate issued by the Islamic University in Uganda was valid for only two years and had lapsed before his nomination, making it unusable for parliamentary qualification.
Walukagga’s legal team argued that the certificate remained valid because it had been accepted for his enrollment into a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, but the Commission dismissed the argument. Officials noted that the law strictly limits the certificate’s validity period and that an NCHE equivalence certificate cannot restore an expired qualification.
After a series of meetings held between November 7 and 15, the Commission unanimously concluded that Walukagga did not satisfy the academic standards required under the Parliamentary Elections Act. As a result, he has been formally disqualified from the 2026 Busiro East race.
The decision adds further tension to an already charged political atmosphere in the constituency, especially following incumbent MP Medard Sseggona’s choice to run as an independent. Copies of the ruling have been sent to Walukagga’s lawyers and the Wakiso District Returning Officer
