EC disqualifies Magogo’s rival from Budiope East race days to 2026 elections

Buyende, Uganda: The Electoral Commission has disqualified independent candidate, Daniel Mulirire from contesting for the Budiope East parliamentary seat, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who accused the Commission of denying candidates fair hearings.

In a decision dated December 23, 2025, the EC annulled Mulirire’s nomination following a complaint lodged under Article 61(1)(f) of the Constitution and Section 15 of the EC Act. The ruling was communicated in a letter authored by EC lawyer Ibrahim Yeko and signed by EC chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama.

The complaint challenged Mulirire’s eligibility to contest as a directly elected Member of Parliament for Budiope East, citing alleged non-compliance with the Parliamentary Elections Act.

According to EC, Mulirire—formerly an officer of the Uganda Police Force—failed to attach proof of resignation from public service at the time of nomination.

The Commission said this contravened Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, rendering his nomination papers void under Section 30(e). Consequently, under Minute Cap 058/2025, the EC quashed his nomination and nullified the decision of the Buyende District Returning Officer.

However, Mulirire’s legal team strongly contested the decision. His lawyer, David Ngobi, said his client had resigned from the police well within the legally prescribed period.

“The law requires a public officer to resign at least 90 days before nomination. Mr Mulirire resigned more than 550 days before nomination,” Ngobi said. “We are surprised by this decision.

The EC misinterpreted the law, and we shall petition to ensure that Mulirire goes to Parliament.”

Ngobi further accused the Commission of denying Mulirire a fair hearing.

Documents seen by this publication indicate that Mulirire’s resignation was approved by the Police Council’s Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee under Minute No. 009/15/04/2024, with effect from April 15, 2024.

The resignation letter, signed by Dorah Abigaba on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, directed Mulirire to hand over all government property and stated that resignation extinguishes pensionable rights under Public Service Standing Orders.

Kadaga Slams Disqualification Trend

Reacting to the decision, Kadaga said the EC’s actions point to a worrying pattern of blocking candidates, especially in constituencies perceived to be politically competitive.

“Disqualifying candidates is a new development. We did not have this in the NRM before,” Kadaga said while speaking at her home after Christmas prayers at St Paul’s Church Mbulamuti.

“This is a strategy used by people who fear competition. Where they are weak, they do not allow others to stand.”

She added: “I am very dissatisfied with the way the EC is behaving. Every day, candidates are disqualified without being invited for hearings. That is not justice.”

Magogo Responds

Incumbent Budiope East MP Moses Magogo, who is also President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, dismissed claims that he is running unopposed.

“There have been allegations that I am unopposed, which is not true. That is why I am moving across the constituency, meeting voters and seeking their support,” Magogo said.

Magogo expressed confidence of an easier 2026 race compared to 2021, which he said was marred by hate speech and tribalism. He downplayed Mulirire’s political strength, noting that the aspirant garnered only two percent in the recent NRM primaries.

Another contender, Geoffrey Dhamuzungu, who polled 18 percent in the primaries, later withdrew from the race.

Magogo said he expects to secure up to 90 percent of the vote and pledged to prioritise education, health services, road infrastructure, electricity and access to clean water if re-elected.

The Budiope East race initially attracted five candidates: Moses Magogo (NRM), Stephen Bangalana (Independent), Robinson Peere (PFF), Resty Nsiro (Independent) and Daniel Mulirire (Independent), who has now been disqualified.

Magogo is married to Anita Among, and is among several candidates confirmed unopposed nationally, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.