The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced plans to challenge the Electoral Commission (EC) in the High Court following the disqualification of its Busiro East parliamentary candidate, singer-turned-politician Mathias Walukagga.
Walukagga was removed from the 2026 race after the EC ruled that he did not meet the required academic qualifications, a decision that has sparked controversy within the opposition party and among supporters in Busiro East.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya condemned the disqualification, accusing the Commission of deliberately targeting opposition candidates.
“Our legal team is handling the matter. This is not just about Walukagga; it’s part of a wider pattern targeting NUP candidates,” Rubongoya said.
He further raised concerns about the conduct of security forces, alleging that police and UPDF personnel have harassed NUP supporters during campaign activities.
“We are witnessing our supporters being arrested, and in some cases, beaten during campaign events. This is clearly aimed at weakening our movement,” he added.
The decision has also triggered reactions from voters in Busiro East. Maria Goretti Namusisi, a Makerere University student and NUP supporter, expressed disappointment with the process.
“If it were allowed to lend someone academic papers just to qualify, I would do it. We don’t want Ssegona back. He speaks for people’s issues but never brings them solutions,” she said, referring to incumbent MP Medard Lubega Ssegona, who is reportedly running as an independent after falling out with his former party.
Walukagga’s disqualification is expected to reshape Busiro East’s political landscape, with uncertainty now surrounding who will carry the NUP flag in the upcoming elections.
NUP’s legal appeal is expected to be filed in the coming days. The case is likely to test not only the EC’s application of academic qualification standards but also the broader fairness of the 2026 pre-election environment.
