The Electoral Commission has dismissed a petition filed by Kitagwenda County Member of Parliament Joseph Nulu Byamukama seeking to disqualify six parliamentary aspirants over alleged irregularities in their nomination for the 2026 General Election.
In a decision dated December 5, 2025, the Commission ruled that the complaint against one of the accused aspirants, Africano Arinaitwe, had no merit and confirmed that he was validly nominated in accordance with electoral laws.
Byamukama, through Mujurizi & Tumwesigye Advocates, lodged the complaint on November 14, 2025, arguing that Arinaitwe had presented unverified academic documents, failed to resign from public office within the required time-frame, and submitted nomination papers that were not properly commissioned.
Arinaitwe, during the hearing, insisted that he had fulfilled all requirements set by the EC and that his nomination was lawful.
After examining submissions from both sides, the EC established that Africano had presented authentic academic qualifications, including a Diploma in Education (Secondary) from Kyambogo University, alongside correspondence from the Uganda National Examinations Board confirming his UACE (2005) and UCE (2003) records.
The Commission also confirmed that Africano had submitted a resignation letter dated June 25, 2025, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service and duly acknowledged by the responsible authorities.
A review of his nomination documents further showed that his Oath Authenticating Statement had been properly commissioned.
“In light of the foregoing, the Commission found that Arinaitwe Africano was validly nominated and… resolved to dismiss your complaint for want of merit,” wrote Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson.
Byamukama had also challenged the nominations of Agaba Abbas Mugisha, Spencer George William, Emmanuel Arinaitwe—who has since withdrawn from the race—Robert Mugabe, the National Resistance Movement flag bearer, and Mubarak Nsamba.
After reviewing all the complaints, the EC cleared the aspirants and concluded that they had satisfied the legal requirements for nomination.
With the dismissal of the petition, all six candidates remain officially in the race for the Kitagwenda County parliamentary seat in the 2026 General Election.