The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Daniel Mulirire, the sole remaining rival to Moses Magogo, citing failure to attach proof of resignation from public service at the time of nomination, a move that has sparked sharp criticism from opposition figures and former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga.
In a statement, the EC said Mr Mulirire, a former police officer, did not submit documentary evidence showing that he had resigned from the Uganda Police Force when he presented his nomination papers, rendering him ineligible to contest.
“The Commission found that the candidate did not attach proof of resignation from public service as required, and was therefore disqualified,” the EC said.
However, critics argue that the decision is unlawful and reflects the selective application of electoral laws. Lawyer and political commentator Jude Byamukama described the disqualification as “outrageous,” accusing the EC of flouting the Parliamentary Elections Act.
“Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act Cap. 177 requires a civil servant to resign 90 days before nomination for general elections,” Mr Byamukama said. “Candidate Daniel Mulirire resigned on April 15, 2024. He was therefore not a civil servant well before nominations. The section does not apply.”
First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and the Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, also questioned the EC’s decision, saying Mr Mulirire resigned long before the legally required period.
“Mr Mulirire resigned 550 days before nomination,” Ms Kadaga said, raising concerns about the basis of the disqualification.
The controversy has been amplified by claims of conflict of interest and alleged bias within the electoral process. Commentator Godwin TOKO noted that Mr Mulirire was the last remaining challenger to Mr Magogo, who is married to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
“The EC has disqualified the last opponent of Moses Magogo on grounds that he didn’t attach proof of resignation from the police,” TOKO said, alleging that the Commission had similarly disqualified or deregistered opponents of Speaker Among and her relatives in the same election cycle.
Mr Magogo has not publicly responded to the claims, while the EC has yet to address the specific legal arguments raised by critics regarding the resignation timeline.
The disqualification has reignited debate over the independence of the Electoral Commission and the integrity of Uganda’s electoral processes, with opposition figures warning that such decisions undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
