• Mathias Walukaggas’ nomination was challenged due to an expired Mature Age Certificate, which the EC confirmed had lapsed on 12th June 2025.
  • The EC referenced legal provisions and Supreme Court precedent to affirm that expired qualifications cannot be revived by other certificates.
  • The ruling leaves NUP facing a decision on whether to appeal or field a new candidate, amid earlier campaign tensions with former MP Medard Sseggona.

The Electoral Commission has officially denominated Busiro East NUP candidate Mathias Walukagga, ruling that he did not possess the minimum academic qualifications required for nomination as a Member of Parliament.

Mathias Walukagga

In a letter dated 25th November 2025, addressed to M/s Signature Advocates, the Commission explained that a petition had been filed on 4th November 2025, challenging Walukagga’s eligibility. The petitioner argued that the singer-turned-politician had used an expired Mature Age Entry Certificate during his nomination on 23rd October 2025.

Walukagga, through his lawyers, maintained that the certificate was still valid because it had been used to gain admission to university.

“My client was admitted and is actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration using the same certificate,” his lawyers argued.

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However, after meetings held on the 7th, 10th, 14th, and 15th November, the Commission concluded that the certificate had expired on 12th June 2025, two years after its issuance by the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).

The Commission noted:-

“A Certificate of Mature Age/Aptitude Test is valid for two years from the date of award. A Certificate of NCHE is not a qualification by itself and cannot give life to an expired or invalid qualification.”

The EC further pointed to the Supreme Court’s position in Gole Nicholas Davis Vs Loi Kiryapawo (2007), emphasizing that once a qualification expires, no other documentation can renew it.

With this, the Commission ruled:

“By 23rd October 2025, the Certificate of Mature Age/Aptitude Test presented by Walukaga Mathias had clearly expired. Accordingly, he lacked the requisite minimum academic qualifications as required under Section 4(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act.”

Walukagga has therefore been officially removed from the race.

Before this EC ruling, the Busiro East race was already attracting sharp public attention.
Walukagga, popularly known for his Kadongo Kamu hits and for serving as Mayor of Kyengera Town Council, was handed the NUP ticket, a decision that stirred intense debate publicly.

NUP dropped the incumbent MP Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona, a move that shocked many. Shortly after, Sseggona openly claimed that Walukagga did not have the required academic documents—an accusation the singer strongly dismissed at the time.

As the race heated up, the two men have been exchanging tough words on the campaign trail. Following the EC’s decision, the big question is how NUP and Walukagga will respond.
The Bobi Wine led party is expected to either appeal the EC ruling or present a new candidate for Busiro East.

Many are now watching closely to see whether the EC’s decision will stand or be overturned on appeal.