High Court to Rule on Walukagga Petition Challenging EC Disqualification

The High Court has set December 22 as the date to deliver its ruling on a petition filed by Mathias Walukagga, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flagbearer for the Busiro East parliamentary seat, challenging his disqualification by the Electoral Commission (EC).

Walukagga was barred from contesting after the EC rejected his academic qualifications, a decision he has since taken to court. In his petition, Walukagga argues that the EC acted without legal authority by reviewing and subsequently rejecting academic documents that had already been verified and approved by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

He contends that once NCHE clears a candidate’s academic credentials, the EC has no jurisdiction to reassess or overturn that verification. Walukagga further maintains that the EC’s actions were unlawful and violated established procedures governing the nomination of candidates.

The EC, on the other hand, has defended its decision, insisting that it acted within its mandate to ensure that all candidates meet the constitutional and legal requirements for nomination.

The court’s ruling on December 22 is expected to determine whether Walukagga will be reinstated on the ballot for the Busiro East parliamentary race, a decision that could have significant political implications for the constituency and the opposition party.

All eyes now turn to the High Court as stakeholders await clarity on the extent of the EC’s powers in handling candidates’ academic qualifications