Backlash as EC Denominates Magogo Rival for Buyende MP Race

Critics have cited the Buyende decision alongside other recent nomination disputes involving high-profile contests to argue that challengers to powerful incumbents face heightened procedural hurdles

Daniel Mulirire (R) and Magogo

The Electoral Commission has annulled the parliamentary nomination of former police officer Daniel Mulirire in Buyende District, a move that has intensified accusations from opposition figures and legal experts that electoral rules are being applied inconsistently as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.

In a decision dated Dec. 23 and signed by commission chairperson Simon Byabakama, the commission said Mulirire failed to attach proof of resignation from public service at the time he submitted his nomination papers, contrary to Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.

It ruled that his nomination was therefore void under Section 30(e) of the law and quashed the decision of the Buyende District returning officer who had earlier cleared him.

The ruling has drawn scrutiny after a resignation letter from the Uganda Police Force dated April 18, 2024 emerged, approving Mulirire’s resignation with effect from April 15, 2024 — well over a year before the current nomination period.

The letter also directed him to “hand over government property”, a standard administrative requirement marking exit from service.

Mulirire is a political rival of Moses Magogo, the long-serving legislator for Budiope East. Magogo is married to Anita Among, Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament.

Buyende

Critics have cited the Buyende decision alongside other recent nomination disputes involving high-profile contests to argue that challengers to powerful incumbents face heightened procedural hurdles.

Former Speaker of Parliament and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga said the facts showed Mulirire resigned “550 days before nomination,” far exceeding the statutory requirement that civil servants step down at least 90 days before nomination.

Senior advocate Jude Byamukama said Section 4(4)(a) applies only to serving civil servants, adding that Mulirire was no longer in public service at the time of nomination.

“The section does not apply,” he said, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the law.

The commission’s approach has also been challenged by Prof Venansius Baryamureeba, an educationist, former vice chancellor of Makerere University and former presidential candidate.

Baryamureeba said the law does not require candidates to attach resignation letters at nomination and that it is the commission’s duty to verify a candidate’s status with the relevant authority if there is doubt.

The Mulirire case follows other contentious disqualifications involving opposition candidates, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP).

The commission recently barred Bobi Wine-backed candidate Resty Sarah Kyarimpa from contesting the Isingiro District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2025 parliamentary elections, citing failure to meet nomination requirements.

NUP leader Bobi Wine and party lawyers have disputed that decision, saying it reflects a broader pattern of administrative barriers against opposition challengers.

The Electoral Commission said its rulings are based on the law and submissions from all parties. It added that in Mulirire’s case, it deliberated on the complaint together with responses from the candidate and his lawyers before reaching its decision.

As nomination disputes multiply, analysts warn that perceptions of selective enforcement risk eroding public confidence in Uganda’s electoral process.

The commission has not indicated whether Mulirire or other affected candidates will succeed in court challenges or whether it will issue further guidance to standardise nomination requirements ahead of future polls.