Final outcome on whether the disqualified NUP candidate for 2026 election Busiro East parliamentary seat Mathias Walukagga is reinstated on the ballot or otherwise, will be known on Monday 22 December.
This is contained in the High Court’s preliminary ruling held during the December Tuesday Court hearing session in Kampala. The confirmation which is arising out of the petition filed by Walukagga, challenging his disqualification from the race by the Electoral Commission (EC), was given by the trial judge, Simon Peter Kinobe.
Walukagga who is also a kadongo kamu singer is appealing against the EC’s recent decision that denominated his candidature on grounds that he failed to meet the requisite academic qualifications for the seat, which the EC opposes.
According to the Commission, Walukagga submitted academic documents were flawed with validity queries, rendering him in eligible to be retained in the race that saw his three other competing candidates retained.
However, Walukagga through his lawyers Alex Luganda and Elias Nalukoola insist that the Commission’s decision is unlawful and discriminatory.
They argue that only possession of the prescribed academic qualifications is a set out legal requirement for candidates as opposed to the time and age limitations, stating that Walukagga completed his education as an adult learner.
Now justice Kinobe ordered respondents to file their responses by 19th since they hadn’t during their maiden appearance on Tuesday. All parties were ordered to urgently file written submissions that the verdict may be given on 22nd December.
Kinobe explained the matter will expeditiously be handled without delay, saying there will be no further opportunity for oral submissions.
Walukagga the artist turned politician had appeared before Court in a company of his defense lawyers who praised Court for having handled the matter imperiously.
The long waited High Court’s verdict once handed down will resolve a lot of lingering questions on matters involving other actors similar to Walukagga’s.
