The petition sought to block Lubyayi’s candidature for the Mawokota South County parliamentary seat in Mpigi District, alleging that he used academic documents belonging to another person and irregularly changed names shortly before nomination.
Kampala, Uganda: The Electoral Commission of Uganda (EC) has dismissed a petition challenging the nomination of Mawokota South independent MP candidate John Bosco Seguya Lubyayi, ruling that allegations of forged academic credentials and identity fraud were unsupported and legally untenable.
In a decision dated January 5, 2026, and signed by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the Commission found no merit in the complaint lodged by one Asimwe Mariam, a registered voter from Mawokota South, allegedly backed and sponsored by Suzan Nakawuki, Lubyayi’s rival in the heated Constituency MP race.
The petition, copy of which this website has seen, sought to block Lubyayi’s candidature for the Mawokota South County parliamentary seat in Mpigi District, alleging that he used academic documents belonging to another person and irregularly changed names shortly before nomination.
Asimwe, the petitioner, back by her legal representative Suzan Nakawuki claimed that Lubyayi’s Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) showed he sat examinations at 43 years, while his National ID indicated he was 44, suggesting impersonation.
She further alleged that Lubyayi contested parliamentary elections in 2006, 2011 and 2016 without A-Level qualifications, and only later relied on academic documents issued in the names “Seguya John B.” to secure nomination in 2026.
The petition also accused Lubyayi of fraudulently acquiring a National ID and failing to properly register a Deed Poll with National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
But after a hearing attended by both parties and their lawyers on December 15, 2025, the Commission unanimously rejected the claims and instead held that Lubyayi was lawfully nominated under the names Lubyayi John Bosco Seguya
His (Lubyayi) nomination, the EC said, was accompanied by a valid UACE certificate bearing the names Seguya John B. “The use of the two name formats was properly explained through a Statutory Declaration and Deed Poll sworn on September 19, 2025,” the EC noted.
The Commission further ruled that failure to execute a deed poll earlier does not invalidate academic qualifications, citing the precedent in Hashim Suleiman v Onega Robert, Civil Appeal No.001 of 2021.
The EC also found that Lubyayi had “properly identified himself using a valid National ID, academic documents submitted at nomination and entries appearing on the National Voters Register, hence no handy evidence tabled by the petitioners to prove otherwise.”
Speaking to the media after the EC ruling, Lubyayi scoffed at the opportunists using who thought running to the commission would give them a clear run in the Constituency whereas not.
“On 5th January, I received a grand ruling from EC affirming my nomination and candidature, and assured me that whatever Nakawuki, the lead counsel for the petitioner, filed as evidence against me was fraudulent and baseless,” Lubyayi said.
He assured the voters that he will be on the ballot come January 15 and victory is just in sight for him to become the area MP for the coming 12th term at the August House.
The ruling by EC clears Lubyayi to remain on the ballot for next week’s January 15, 2026 general elections, dealing a blow to last-minute legal challenges targeting sitting MPs and returning candidates.
The Constituency is currently represented by Hon Yusuf Nsibambi (FDC) who opted not to return for another term.
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