BREAKING: Electoral Commission Disqualifies NUP’s Busiro East MP Candidate Mathias Walukagga for Lack of Qualifications
Kampala, Uganda – In a shocking development, the Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Mathias Walukagga, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for Busiro East parliamentary seat, from contesting in the 2025 elections due to a lack of minimum formal qualifications. Walukagga, a popular Ugandan singer and first-time parliamentary contender, had been selected by NUP over the incumbent, Medard Sseggona, during the party primaries.
EC’s Ruling on Walukagga’s Nomination
In a letter dated November 25th, 2025, the Electoral Commission stated that Walukagga had been nominated based on a Mature Age Entrance Certificate (MAEC) issued by the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) on June 12th, 2023. However, the certificate, which had a validity period of two years, had expired by the time Walukagga submitted it for nomination on October 23rd, 2025. The EC highlighted that the certificate, issued by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) as an A’Level equivalent, could not serve as a valid qualification since it was no longer within its validity period at the time of Walukagga’s nomination.
“The Commission, cognizant of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Gole Nicholas vs. Loi Kiryapawo Election Petition Appeal No. 19/2007, observed that a certificate of NCHE cannot validate an expired qualification,” read the EC’s ruling.
As a result of the expiration of the certificate, the Electoral Commission ruled that Walukagga did not meet the minimum academic qualifications required to run for the parliamentary seat, leading to his disqualification.
The Political Fallout: NUP’s Response
This disqualification has sparked a political firestorm within NUP, especially since Walukagga had previously emerged victorious in the party’s primaries, defeating incumbent MP Medard Sseggona. The decision has significantly reshaped the race for Busiro East, and it could have far-reaching implications for the party, which is already grappling with internal tensions.
Medard Sseggona, who had publicly criticized the party’s primaries and his loss to Walukagga, is now seeking re-election as an independent candidate. His dissatisfaction with the primaries process has only added fuel to the already simmering discontent within the party.
NUP’s Legal Challenge Against the EC’s Decision
The National Unity Platform, under the leadership of its Secretary-General David Rubongoya, has expressed outrage over the Electoral Commission’s decision. NUP has announced that it intends to take the matter to the High Court in a bid to challenge Walukagga’s disqualification and to seek legal redress.
While addressing the media, Rubongoya accused the Electoral Commission of deliberately targeting NUP candidates, questioning the impartiality of the EC in its handling of the case. He claimed that the EC’s decision was politically motivated, designed to disrupt NUP’s chances in the upcoming elections.
“We will not sit back and allow this blatant attack on our candidates,” Rubongoya stated. “The Electoral Commission’s actions are clearly aimed at undermining the will of the people in Busiro East. We will pursue every legal avenue available to us.”
The Legal Basis of the EC’s Decision
The EC’s decision draws on a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated qualifications that had expired before the nomination period. In this case, the Commission determined that Walukagga’s Mature Age Certificate had expired well before he attempted to use it as part of his nomination. The ruling has brought attention to the need for candidates to ensure their qualifications meet the stringent academic requirements set forth by the Constitution of Uganda and the Electoral Commission.
The disqualification also underscores the importance of proper documentation and timely submission of academic credentials in the electoral process. Walukagga’s supporters, however, have argued that the technicality over the certificate should not have disqualified him, especially given his popularity and the fact that he had already secured the NUP nomination.
The Road Ahead: Impact on Busiro East Race
The disqualification of Walukagga has undoubtedly altered the dynamics of the race for Busiro East, a key constituency in central Uganda. With incumbent MP Medard Sseggona now vying for the seat as an independent candidate, the contest is set to become even more competitive.
Political analysts predict that NUP’s legal challenge against the EC’s ruling could dominate the headlines in the coming weeks, especially if the High Court rules in favor of the party. A protracted legal battle could also delay the finalization of candidates for the Busiro East race, adding more uncertainty to an already volatile election season.
Conclusion: A Setback for NUP or an Opportunity for Change?
The disqualification of Mathias Walukagga serves as a significant blow to NUP’s efforts in Busiro East, a district where the party had hoped to capitalize on Walukagga’s popularity. However, the legal challenge from the party could open the door to a potential reversal of the decision, depending on the outcome in court.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Electoral Commission and the High Court, with the political fate of Busiro East’s parliamentary race hanging in the balance.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story.
