Nakaseke, Uganda: The Electoral Commission of Uganda has disqualified Geofrey Kayanja, the National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate for Nakaseke North, in a move that adds to a growing list of opposition candidates barred from contesting just days to the general elections.
According to a decision contained in a statement signed by EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama Mugenyi on December 23, 2025, Kayanja failed to meet the legal requirement of presenting at least ten registered voters from the constituency who validly supported his nomination.
The Commission said that six out of the ten registered voters listed on Kayanja’s nomination papers did not append their signatures as required by law.
“The Commission notes that the candidate conceded to this fact during the hearing,” Byabakama wrote, adding that the omission rendered Kayanja ineligible to contest.
“The Commission, in its meeting of December 23, 2025, under MIN. COMM 093/2025, resolved that Candidate Kayanja Geofrey was not eligible for nomination to contest for the said elective office since he did not comply with the foregoing provision of the law,” the statement reads.
As a result, the EC reversed the earlier decision of the Nakaseke District Returning Officer, who had initially nominated Kayanja, and formally disqualified him from the 2025 General Parliamentary Elections for the Nakaseke North seat.
Opposition Cry Foul
Kayanja’s disqualification comes amid a wave of exclusions targeting opposition candidates, particularly from NUP, sparking accusations of political bias and manipulation by the Electoral Commission.
NUP leaders argue that many of the disqualifications are being effected long after nominations were accepted and campaign activities approved—raising concerns about fairness, consistency, and due process.
Among other candidates recently disqualified include: Mathias Walukagga (Busiro East), disqualified over an expired academic certificate, Sarah Kyarimpa, disqualified after one of her supporters allegedly signed her nomination papers twice, Christopher Ategeka(Buyanja), disqualified following allegations that he refused a bribe to step down.
Shalif Ntanda, was disqualified after two listed supporters denied endorsing him, while Best Arnold Ankunda, informed that one of his seconders denied endorsing him leading to his dismiaal.
Daniel Mulirire (NRM leaning independent), was disqualified for allegedly failing to attach proof of resignation from public service.
EC Defends Process, NUP Alleges Bias
The Electoral Commission maintains that all disqualifications are strictly procedural, insisting that candidates who fail to comply with nomination requirements—regardless of party affiliation—cannot be cleared to contest.
However, NUP has repeatedly accused the EC of selective enforcement, arguing that the disqualifications disproportionately affect opposition candidates while favouring those aligned to the ruling National Resistance Movement.
With only days remaining to polling, the escalating exclusions have heightened political tension and renewed debate over the credibility and inclusiveness of Uganda’s electoral process.
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