The Electoral Commission has upheld a petition challenging the nomination of singer and National Unity Platform (NUP) flag-bearer Mathias Walukagga, ruling that he did not possess the valid academic qualifications required to contest for the Busiro East parliamentary seat.
The petition—filed on November 4, 2025—argued that Walukagga used an expired Mature Age/Aptitude Certificate, rendering his nomination unlawful. After weeks of hearings, the EC agreed.
In his written ruling, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the examination of documents and legal provisions left “no doubt” that Walukagga’s certificate was invalid at the time he presented it.
“The Certificate of Mature Age/Aptitude Test that Walukaga Mathias presented for nomination had, by 23rd October 2025, clearly expired,” Byabakama stated.
According to the Commission, Walukagga originally sat for the test in February 2023, later receiving the certificate from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in June 2023. Both the university and the certificate itself indicate a two-year validity period, expiring in June 2025.
His lawyers had argued that enrolling for a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration kept the certificate valid, but the Commission rejected the interpretation.
Justice Byabakama emphasized that the law provides no room for extending the certificate’s lifespan beyond what is printed on it.
“A certificate awarded under the mature age entry examinations is valid for two years from the date of award,” he said, referring to Legal Notice No. 12 of 2015.
He further pointed out that the National Council for Higher Education’s (NCHE) certificate of equivalence could not salvage an expired qualification.
“A Certificate of NCHE is not a qualification by itself and it cannot give life to an invalid or expired qualification,” Byabakama noted, citing a Supreme Court precedent.
Following deliberations held on November 7, 10, 14 and 15, the Commission unanimously ruled that Walukagga fell short of the requirements under the Parliamentary Elections Act.
“Accordingly, Candidate Walukaga Mathias lacked the requisite minimum formal qualifications for the elective office of Member of Parliament,” the EC chairperson declared. “Candidate Walukaga Mathias therefore stands disqualified.”
The decision has further unsettled the Busiro East political landscape, which was already tense after incumbent MP Medard Sseggona opted to run as an independent. The ruling now reshapes the contest entirely as parties prepare for the 2026 polls.
