In a contentious decision that has ignited fierce political debate, the Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified independent parliamentary candidate Daniel Mulirire from contesting the Budiope East seat. The ruling, issued on December 23, 2025, is based on claims that Mulirire, a former police officer, failed to provide proof of his resignation from public service when submitting his nomination papers. The EC argues that his failure to meet this requirement breaches the Parliamentary Elections Act, a move that has drawn sharp criticism, especially from key political figures.
The disqualification stems from a complaint filed under Article 61(1)(f) of Uganda’s Constitution and Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act. The complaint questioned Mulirire’s eligibility, accusing him of not meeting the conditions necessary for nomination. According to the EC’s ruling, Mulirire did not submit documentation proving his resignation from the Uganda Police Force, thereby rendering his nomination invalid under Section 30(e) of the Parliamentary Elections Act. This decision was made by EC chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama and communicated by lawyer Ibrahim Yeko.
However, Mulirire’s legal team is challenging the ruling, with lawyer David Ngobi vehemently defending his client’s position. Ngobi insists that Mulirire had resigned from the police force more than 550 days before his nomination, well beyond the required 90-day period stipulated by law. Documents presented by the legal team confirm that Mulirire’s resignation was formally accepted by the Police Council’s Appointments, Promotions, and Disciplinary Committee in April 2024. This discrepancy, Ngobi claims, has been misinterpreted by the EC, and he vows to take legal action to restore Mulirire’s eligibility.
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has publicly criticized the EC’s actions, accusing the Commission of undermining democracy by disqualifying candidates without proper hearings. Speaking at her home in Mbulamuti after Christmas prayers, Kadaga expressed her dissatisfaction with the EC’s approach, describing it as part of a broader strategy to suppress political competition in key constituencies. “This disqualification trend is concerning,” Kadaga stated, adding, “It’s a strategy designed by those who fear competition.”
Magogo, the current Member of Parliament for Budiope East, has dismissed accusations that he is running unopposed. Magogo, also the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, stated that he is actively campaigning across the constituency, engaging with voters and seeking their support. In contrast to the 2021 elections, which were marred by tribalism and hate speech, Magogo is confident of a smoother path to re-election in 2026. He dismissed Mulirire’s chances in the race, noting that Mulirire had garnered only 2 percent of the vote in the recent NRM primaries.
Magogo also downplayed the significance of the remaining contenders. After Geoffrey Dhamuzungu, who secured 18 percent in the primaries, withdrew from the race, Magogo now faces less formidable competition. He is confident of securing a commanding victory, with hopes of winning up to 90 percent of the vote. Magogo’s campaign focuses on promises to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, and clean water for the people of Budiope East.
The Budiope East race, which initially had five candidates, has now been reduced to just a handful following the disqualification of Mulirire and Dhamuzungu’s withdrawal. Despite Mulirire’s removal from the race, the controversy surrounding his disqualification has added a layer of complexity to the electoral process, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the EC’s decisions.
Magogo’s path to re-election is now largely uncontested, but the legal challenge brought by Mulirire’s team could bring new developments in the coming weeks. The political landscape in Budiope East remains tense, with Mulirire’s supporters and critics alike watching closely to see whether his legal battle will change the course of the election. The EC’s decision, and its broader implications on Uganda’s electoral processes, will likely remain a point of contention in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
