By Obed Kankiriho
A Kampala-based advocate has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) Tribunal, challenging the nomination of all parliamentary candidates in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District, over alleged gaps in the verification of their academic qualifications.
John Kamurinde, a registered voter and resident of Kyobwe Ward in Rwentobo–Rwahi Town Council, filed the petition on November 7, 2025.
He cites Article 80(1)(c) of the 1995 Constitution (as amended) and Section 4(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which require parliamentary aspirants to have completed a minimum formal education of Advanced Level or its equivalent.
Invoking Articles 38(1) and 41(1) of the Constitution, along with Sections 2, 5, 6, and 10 of the Access to Information Act, 2005, and Regulation 3(8) of the Access to Information Regulations, 2011, Kamurinde argues that, as a voter in Rushenyi County, he is entitled to access information held by the EC on the academic qualifications of the candidates.
He wants the EC to release certified copies of the academic documents submitted by the candidates: Hon. Naome Kabasharira (NRM), Nuwamanya Herbert Nyongozi (Independent), Mpumwire Magambo (Independent), Twine’ Mbabazi Kamugira (NUP), and Nuwamanya Barham (DF).
Kamurinde contends that releasing these documents will not compromise national security or Uganda’s sovereignty, nor violate the candidates’ right to privacy, since the documents were voluntarily submitted as part of a public electoral process.
He further argues that it is in the interest of justice and transparency for the Tribunal to handle his application expeditiously, so that he and other voters can verify whether the candidates meet the minimum academic requirements before making an informed choice at the polls.
