WAKISO, Uganda — The Electoral Commission (EC) has nullified the nomination of National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Mathias Walukaga for the Busiro East Parliamentary race.
The cancellation, announced by EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, follows a ruling that the singer-turned-politician failed to meet the requisite minimum formal academic qualifications for the office of Member of Parliament.
Justice Byabakama stated that the commission initiated an investigation after receiving a petition on November 4th from a complainant regarding Walukaga’s formal qualifications.
“The Petitioner contended that, at the time the Certificate of Mature Age/Aptitude Test was used for nomination by Walukaga Mathias, on the 23rd of October, 2025, it had expired; thus rendering it invalid,” Justice Byabakama said.
The EC Chairman noted that Walukaga’s legal team asserted the certificate remained valid because he was admitted to and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration based on the document. However, the commission’s review determined otherwise.
Byabakama highlighted that while the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) certified that Walukaga obtained a score of 54% in the Mature Age Aptitude Test held on February 25, 2023, the certificate has a defined lifespan.
He explained that Paragraph 9 (b) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions provides that, a Certificate awarded for passing the mature age entry examinations “shall be valid for two years from the date of award.”
The EC concluded that a Certificate of NCHE does not inherently give life to an invalid or expired qualification.
Byabakama announced the commission’s finding: “Following through investigation, the commission found that the Certificate of Mature Age/Aptitude Test Walukaga Mathias presented for nomination had, by 23rd of October, 2025, expired.”
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Justice Byabakama Mugenyi delivered the final order: “Accordingly, Candidate Walukaga 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, Cap. 177. Candidate Walukaga Mathias therefore stands denominated.”
Walukaga’s camp was quick to react to the development. In an immediate response to the media, the candidate expressed shock and disbelief, vowing to fight the ruling.
“This is an unacceptable political maneuver designed to stifle democracy,” Walukaga said. “This is a political decision, not a legal one, and we will appeal this immediately to the higher courts. My papers were thoroughly vetted and approved previously.”
