By KAMPALA; The Electoral Commission (EC) has defended its decision to cancel the candidature of Mathias Walukagga, insisting that he did not meet the minimum academic qualifications required to contest for the Busiro East parliamentary seat.
In an affidavit in reply filed before the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala a copy of which has been accessed by Our Reporter the Commission maintains that Walukagga lacked the requisite academic qualifications at the time of nomination, contrary to the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The affidavit was sworn by Abubaker Kayondo, a Legal Officer at the Electoral Commission, in response to Walukagga’s appeal challenging the Commission’s decision to nullify his nomination.
Kayondo states that the mature age entry certificate presented by Walukagga for nomination had expired by October 23, 2025, the date on which he was nominated. He adds that upon evaluation of the evidence and submissions presented during proceedings before the Commission, it was established that Walukagga did not satisfy the minimum formal education requirements prescribed under Section 4(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The Electoral Commission further argues that it acted within its constitutional and statutory mandate. According to the affidavit, the Commission is empowered under Article 61(1)(f) of the 1995 Constitution and Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act to hear and determine complaints relating to a candidate’s qualifications prior to nomination.
“The Commission had the authority to inquire into whether Mr Walukagga Mathias possessed the required academic qualifications prior to his nomination,” Kayondo states. The Electoral Commission has asked the court to dismiss the appeal with costs and to uphold its decision. The response, which was submitted electronically, comes as the High Court prepares to deliver its judgment in the matter on Monday, December 22, 2025.
