By Weswa Ronnie
BUYENDE
The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Mr Daniel Mulirire from contesting for the Budiope East parliamentary seat in Buyende District, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP, Ms Rebecca Kadaga.
In a letter dated December 23, 2025, authored by the EC through its lawyer Mr Ibrahim Yeko and signed by EC chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the Commission annulled Mulirire’s nomination following a complaint lodged under Article 61(1)(f) and Section 15 of the EC Act.
The complaint challenged Mulirire’s eligibility to contest as a directly elected Member of Parliament for Budiope East, citing alleged non-compliance with the Parliamentary Elections Act.
According to the EC decision titled “EC decision regarding the complaint challenging the nomination of Daniel Mulirire,” the Commission found that Mulirire, a former police officer, failed to attach proof of resignation from public service at the time of nomination.
The EC said this omission contravened Section 4(4)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, rendering his nomination papers void. Consequently, the Commission resolved to annul Mulirire’s nomination and quash the decision of the Buyende District Returning Officer.
However, Mulirire’s legal team has strongly disputed the ruling. His lawyer, Mr David Ngobi, argued that his client resigned from the police force well within the legally required timeframe.
“The law requires a public officer to resign at least 90 days before nomination. Mr Mulirire resigned more than 550 days before nomination. We are surprised by this decision. The EC misinterpreted the law and we shall petition to ensure that Mulirire goes to Parliament,” he said.
