E C denominates Magogo’s Rival , Sparking Claims of inconsistency
The Commission consequently declared his nomination void under Section 30(e) of the Act and overturned the earlier decision of the Buyende District returning officer who had cleared him.
The decision has attracted scrutiny following the emergence of a resignation letter from the Uganda Police Force dated April 18, 2024, approving Mulirire’s resignation with effect from April 15, 2024—more than a year before the nomination period.
The letter also instructed him to hand over government property, a standard procedure marking exit from public service.
Mulirire is a political challenger to Moses Magogo, the long-serving legislator for Budiope East, who is married to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Critics have pointed to the Buyende decision, alongside other recent nomination disputes in high-profile races, as evidence that candidates challenging powerful incumbents face tougher procedural barriers.
Former Speaker of Parliament and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga said the facts show Mulirire resigned “550 days before nomination,” far exceeding the legal requirement that public servants resign at least 90 days before nomination.
Senior advocate Jude Byamukama argued that Section 4(4)(a) applies only to serving civil servants and not to individuals who had already left public service. “The section does not apply,” he said, accusing the Commission of misinterpreting the law.
The ruling has also been criticised by Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, former vice chancellor of Makerere University and a former presidential candidate, who said the law does not require candidates to attach resignation letters at nomination.
He added that it is the Commission’s responsibility to verify a candidate’s employment status with the relevant authorities if there is doubt.
Mulirire’s case follows other contentious disqualifications, particularly involving opposition candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Recently, the Commission barred Bobi Wine-backed candidate Resty Sarah Kyarimpa from contesting the Isingiro District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2025 elections, citing failure to meet nomination requirements.
NUP leaders and lawyers have disputed that decision, describing it as part of a broader pattern of administrative obstacles against opposition candidates.
The Electoral Commission has maintained that its decisions are grounded in the law and based on submissions from all parties.
It said that in Mulirire’s case, it considered the complaint alongside responses from the candidate and his lawyers before reaching a verdict.
As disputes over nominations continue to rise, analysts warn that perceptions of selective enforcement could undermine 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 harmonise nomination requirements ahead of future elections.
