The National Unity Platform (NUP) flag-bearer for the Busiro East parliamentary seat, Mathias Walukagga, has petitioned the High Court challenging his disqualification by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Through his legal team, led by Kawempe North Member of Parliament Luimbazi Nalukoola, Walukagga contends that he possesses the requisite academic qualifications and that the Commission acted without lawful authority in rejecting his credentials.
“It is deeply regrettable that the Electoral Commission issued a decision dated November 25, 2025, but only delivered it on December 9, 2025, fully aware that this is a matter in which time is of the essence,” Walukagga stated. He expressed confidence that the court would grant him justice, alleging that the EC acted with bias.
The Commission disqualified Walukagga on December 9, 2025, citing failure to meet the nomination requirements. The decision stemmed from a petition filed on November 4, 2025, by Medard Seggona, who claimed that Walukagga did not possess the minimum academic qualifications required for nomination as a Member of Parliament.
Seggona argued that the Mature Age/Aptitude Test Certificate Walukagga used during his nomination on October 23, 2025, had expired and was therefore invalid.
In response, Walukagga’s lawyers submitted that since he was admitted to university and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration based on the same certificate, it should remain valid for nomination purposes.
However, Justice Simon Byabakama determined that the Mature Age/Aptitude Test Certificate presented by Walukagga had clearly expired by October 23, 2025.
“Candidate Walukagga Mathias lacked the requisite minimum formal qualifications for the elective office of Member of Parliament as stipulated under Section 4(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act,” Justice Byabakama ruled.
