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Magogo's rival was kicked out of the race
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By Our Reporter
The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Mulirire Daniel, a rival to FUFA President Moses Magogo, from contesting for the Budiope East parliamentary seat in Buyende District after finding his nomination invalid.
In a decision dated December 23, 2025, the Commission ruled that Mulirire, a former Uganda Police Force officer, failed to attach proof of resignation from government service at the time of his nomination, contrary to the law. “The Commission observed that the respondent, who prior to his nomination had been a public officer, did not furnish or attach proof of his resignation from government service at the time of nomination,” the EC ruled.
According to the Commission, Mulirire was required under Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177, to submit evidence that he had resigned from public service before nomination, which he failed to do.
The EC further held that Mulirire’s nomination papers were therefore void under Section 30(e) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, prompting it to annul his nomination.
“In view of the foregoing, the Commission resolved that, given the stated invalidity, the respondent’s nomination is annulled,” the EC stated.
It added: “Accordingly, the decision of the Returning Officer, Buyende Electoral District, in nominating the respondent is hereby quashed.”
The ruling followed a complaint lodged under Article 61(1)(f) of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act, challenging Mulirire’s eligibility to stand for election as a directly elected Member of Parliament.
Documents seen by this publication further indicate that although Mulirire’s resignation from the Uganda Police Force was approved, it took effect on April 15, 2024, raising questions about his eligibility at the time of nomination.
In a letter dated April 18, 2024, signed on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, the Police Council confirmed the approval of Mulirire’s resignation.
“This is to inform you that the Police Council approved your application to resign from the Force with effect from 15th April 2024,” the letter reads in part.
The EC said copies of its decision have been formally communicated to the Buyende District Returning Officer and the affected candidate.
“By copy of this communication, the Returning Officer, as well as the respondent, are informed of the above decision,” the Commission stated.
The disqualification leaves Moses Magogo, the incumbent Budiope East MP and FUFA President, without one of his key challengers in the race. Efforts to obtain a comment from Mulirire Daniel by press time were unsuccessful.
Torch Media Africa
