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By Aggrey TwesigyeIn Isingirowww.mknewslink.comThe Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified James Atwiine, an Independent candidate vying for the Isingiro North County parliamentary seat, over alleged irregularities in his academic qualifications.
Atwiine’s disqualification follows a petition filed by a concerned resident of Isingiro District, Benson Kazungu, citing Article 61 (1) (o) and Sections 15 and 46 of the Electoral Commission Act, Cap 176. Kazungu challenged the validity of Atwiine’s nomination, which was initially cleared by the Returning Officer on October 22, 2025.
According to the complaint, Atwiine’s nomination was based on letters of verification of results issued by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), which the board later withdrew, rendering them invalid.
The petition against Atwiine originated from the director and head teacher of Greenhill College, Mr. Turyamureeba Neriah, where the candidate claimed to have sat his O-Level exams in 2003. Turyamureeba stated that although school records showed a student named “Atwiine James” under index number U1436/037, the individual in question could not be the same Atwiine who allegedly joined the school and sat for exams in the same year.
He explained that Greenhill College, registered under UNEB Centre No. U1436, had a strict policy requiring students to have attended the school for their pre-candidate class and to be residents during the examination year.
Following Turyamureeba’s petition, UNEB investigated the matter and, on November 4, 2025, officially informed the Electoral Commission that it had withdrawn the letters of verification of results issued in Atwiine’s name on June 14 and October 15, 2025.
Subsequently, in a letter dated November 10, 2025, the Electoral Commission communicated its decision to Kazungu, confirming that after reviewing the submissions from both parties, the Commission had resolved under MIN. COMP 042/2025 to annul Atwiine’s nomination.
When contacted for a comment, Atwiine said he was not satisfied with the decision and intended to return to UNEB to seek further verification of his academic credentials.
