Buyende District, Uganda – The Electoral Commission has disqualified independent candidate Daniel Mulirire from the Budiope East parliamentary election in Buyende District. This decision has triggered sharp criticism and legal challenges just days before the vote.
Mulirire, a former police officer, was widely viewed as the main challenger to incumbent MP and FUFA President Moses Magogo.
In a letter dated Dec. 23, 2025, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama said Mulirire failed to submit proof that he had resigned from public service at the time of nomination. The commission said this violated Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which bars serving civil servants from contesting for Parliament.
Candidate Disputes Ruling
Mulirire’s legal team has rejected the decision, saying it ignores key facts.
His lawyer, David Ngobi, said Mulirire resigned from the Uganda Police Force effective April 15, 2024, more than a year before nominations opened.
“That is over 550 days before nomination,” Ngobi said. “He fully complied with the law.”
Legal Experts Question EC Interpretation
The decision has also drawn criticism from legal experts.
Constitutional lawyer Jude Byamukama said the Electoral Commission misapplied the law. He noted that Section 4(4)(a) requires civil servants to resign at least 90 days before nomination in general elections.
“Daniel Mulirire resigned in April 2024,” Byamukama said. “He was not a civil servant long before nominations. That section does not apply.”
Kadaga Raises Concern
First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga also criticized the disqualification, describing it as part of a worrying trend.
“Disqualifying candidates is a new development. We did not have this in the NRM before,” Kadaga said. She faulted the Electoral Commission for making such decisions without giving candidates a fair hearing.
Impact on the Race
Mulirire’s removal significantly narrows the contest, easing the path for Magogo, the ruling NRM candidate. Magogo has continued campaigning, promising improvements in education, health services, roads, electricity, and water access.
He has played down the controversy and said he expects strong voter support.
Other candidates in the race, including independents Stephen Bangalana and Resty Nsiro, as well as PFF’s Robinson Peere, are facing separate petitions over alleged irregularities such as forged nomination signatures. Those cases could further reduce the number of candidates.
Court Challenge Expected
Mulirire’s team said it plans to challenge the Electoral Commission’s decision in court. The case could affect the timeline or outcome of the election.
The controversy has renewed debate about fairness and transparency in Uganda’s electoral process as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
