By Eye Media Uganda | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Kampala — The Electoral Commission has nullified the nomination of Busiro East parliamentary aspirant Walukaga Mathias after ruling that the Mature Age/Aptitude Certificate he presented for the 2026 elections had expired.
In a detailed communication dated 25th November 2025, addressed to Signature Advocates, the Commission concluded that Walukaga did not possess the minimum formal academic qualifications required for nomination as a Member of Parliament.
The petitioner had argued that Walukaga’s Mature Age/Aptitude Test Certificate — issued by Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) on 12th June 2023 — had lapsed by 23rd October 2025, the date he presented it for nomination. The certificate has a two-year validity period.
Walukaga’s lawyers insisted the certificate was valid because he had been admitted to university using it and was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. They also tendered a fresh letter from IUIU confirming his Mature Age Test results (54%) from 25th February 2023.
But the Commission rejected the defence.
According to the ruling, the law is clear:
- A Mature Age/Aptitude Certificate remains valid for only two years from the date of award.
- NCHE’s equivalence letter cannot revive an expired qualification.
- Admission to university does not extend the life of an expired Mature Age Certificate.
The Commission also referenced the Supreme Court decision in Gole Nicholas Davis vs Loi Kiryapawo (2007), which affirmed that NCHE cannot validate an expired document.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, and meeting on 7th, 10th, 14th and 15th November 2025, the Commission ruled decisively:
“Candidate Walukaga Mathias lacked the requisite minimum formal qualifications…
Candidate Walukaga Mathias therefore stands denominated.”
The communication was signed by Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, and copied to Walukaga’s lawyers and the Returning Officer for Wakiso District.
The decision effectively knocks Walukaga out of the 2026 parliamentary race for Busiro East.
