The High Court has set December 22 as the date for delivering judgment in a petition filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Mathias Walukagga, challenging his disqualification from the Busiro East parliamentary race by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Walukagga is contesting the EC’s decision to bar him from contesting on grounds that he allegedly failed to meet the required academic qualifications for a parliamentary candidate.
The Electoral Commission maintains that Walukagga did not submit the necessary academic documents within the stipulated requirements.
However, Walukagga and his legal team argue that the decision is unlawful and discriminatory.
They contend that the law requires possession of the prescribed academic qualifications and does not restrict when or at what age those qualifications were attained, noting that Walukagga completed his education as an adult learner.
Walukagga, accompanied by his lawyers, appeared before High Court Judge Simon Peter Kinobe to receive guidance on the progress of the petition.
Justice Kinobe granted the respondents time to file their responses but directed both parties to urgently submit their pleadings and written submissions ahead of the ruling.
“This matter will be concluded without delay. There will be no further opportunity for oral submissions, and the court’s ruling will be delivered online on December 22,” Justice Kinobe said.
Following the court session, Walukagga and his legal team welcomed the pace at which the court is handling the matter, saying it reflects fairness and commitment to justice.
One of Walukagga’s lawyers, Alex Luganda, argued that the Electoral Commission’s actions unfairly target adult learners and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Disqualifying a candidate based on when they acquired their education is discriminatory, especially against adult learners,” Luganda said.
The High Court’s decision will determine whether Mathias Walukagga will be reinstated on the ballot as the NUP flagbearer for Busiro East in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
