**Just In: High Court to Rule on Walukagga’s Nomination Appeal on December 22**
The High Court, led by Justice Rogers Kinobe, has set December 22, 2025, for the delivery of judgment in the appeal challenging the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to cancel Mathias Walukagga’s nomination for the Busiro East parliamentary seat.
Walukagga’s nomination was annulled by the EC, citing failure to meet the minimum academic qualifications required to run for parliament. The EC’s decision followed a complaint filed by voter John Lubowa Kilimiro, who challenged Walukagga’s eligibility, claiming he lacked the necessary academic credentials.
In response, Walukagga, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer, filed an appeal, arguing that the EC had no authority to reject his candidacy after his academic qualifications had been verified and equated by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). He contends that once NCHE and the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) validated his qualifications, the Electoral Commission could not overrule their determination.
Justice Kinobe issued tight deadlines for submissions and responses due to the urgency of the upcoming election schedule. The court set December 17 for all responses to be filed, with rejoinders due by December 18. Despite concerns from the EC’s legal team about the tight timeline, Kinobe maintained the schedule and emphasized that the judgment would be delivered on December 22.
The EC is listed as the first respondent, and Kilimiro as the second respondent. The case continues to raise important questions about the role of the EC in verifying qualifications and the legal weight of decisions made by bodies like NCHE.
The judgment, which will determine whether Walukagga’s candidacy is reinstated, will be accessible through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), with no further court attendance required for the ruling.
