Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande has welcomed the Electoral Commission’s decision upholding his academic qualifications.
He said the petition filed by incumbent Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo was unnecessary since the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is the legally mandated body to verify such credentials.
The Electoral Commission on Tuesday concluded that Rwashande’s military training and courses attained during his service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces provide him with an equivalent qualification required to contest for Member of Parliament.
Speaking after the ruling, Rwashande said the matter had long been settled through established verification processes.
“This issue was already addressed by the National Council for Higher Education, which is responsible for certifying academic papers for nomination,” he said. “It was not necessary to take the matter to the Electoral Commission because both of us have previously gone through the same verification bodies.”
He commended the Commission for taking time to investigate and deliver what he described as a fair and clarifying ruling.
“I thank the Electoral Commission for their thorough work. Their decision brings clarity and satisfies the country on what is required for justice and fairness,” he added.
Rwashande insisted that his bid for the Lwemiyaga County seat is focused on improving service delivery and restoring trust between leaders and residents.
He said the academic dispute had diverted attention from issues that matter to the constituency.
“My purpose is to serve the people of Lwemiyaga properly,” he said. “Now that this matter has been resolved, the focus should return to development and addressing the needs of the community.”