BUYENDE, Uganda — In a significant ruling dated December 23, the Electoral Commission (EC), led by Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, officially annulled the nomination of Daniel Mulirire, a former police officer seeking to contest in Buyende District.
The commission cited a procedural failure, stating that Mulirire did not provide sufficient evidence of his resignation from public service during his nomination submission.
According to the EC, the disqualification is rooted in Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which requires civil servants to resign before seeking office. The commission subsequently invoked Section 30(e) to declare the initial clearance by the Buyende District returning officer void.
However, the decision has sparked controversy due to emerging evidence of Mulirire’s departure from the Uganda Police Force. Documents reveal a resignation letter dated April 18, 2024—effective April 15, 2024—which specifically instructed the candidate to “hand over government property”, a routine administrative directive for exiting officers.
High-profile figures have been quick to challenge the EC’s logic. First Deputy Prime Minister and former Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga pointed out that the timeline far exceeds the legal minimum, noting that Mulirire had resigned “550 days before nomination,” well beyond the 90-day statutory requirement.
Legal practitioners have also questioned the interpretation of the law. Senior advocate Jude Byamukama argued that since Mulirire was no longer an active officer at the time of nomination, the specific regulatory hurdles cited by the EC should not have been a factor.
“The section does not apply,” Byamukama stated, accusing the commission of a fundamental misinterpretation.
The disqualification is particularly sensitive due to the political landscape in Buyende. Mulirire is a direct rival to Moses Magogo, the incumbent MP for Budiope East and husband to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Also Read: NRM disqualifies Fiona Nakku from female Youth MP race over age
Critics, including Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, suggest that the burden of verification should rest with the commission rather than the candidate. Baryamureeba noted that it is typically the EC’s responsibility to cross-check a candidate’s status with relevant authorities if doubts arise.
This case follows a string of similar disputes:
- Resty Sarah Kyarimpa: A National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate recently barred in Isingiro.
- Administrative Barriers: NUP leadership, including Bobi Wine, has characterized these rulings as a systemic pattern of “administrative barriers” designed to protect powerful incumbents from challengers.
Summary of the disputed ruling
| Key Detail | Description |
| Candidate | Daniel Mulirire (Former Police Officer) |
| EC Justification | Failure to attach proof of resignation at the time of nomination. |
| Counter-Claim | Resignation was officialized 1.5 years prior to the deadline. |
| Legal Basis | Sections 4(4)(a) and 30(e) of the Parliamentary Elections Act. |
| Political Context | High-stakes contest against incumbent Moses Magogo. |
Next steps
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, analysts warn that such high-profile disqualifications may damage public trust in the neutrality of the Electoral Commission (EC).
It remains to be seen if Mulirire will seek redress through the court system to reinstate his candidacy.
