Masaka High Court Summons NCHE Official Over Sembabule Woman MP's Qualifications

The Masaka High Court has issued a directive requiring an official from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to appear and testify in an ongoing election petition. The legal challenge targets the victory of Sembabule District Woman Member of Parliament, Ms. Florence Nambaziira.

Justice Christine Akello ordered the education regulator to clarify whether Ms. Nambaziira holds the legally mandated academic qualifications required to serve as a legislator. Under Ugandan electoral laws, any candidate running for a parliamentary seat must possess a minimum of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or an approved equivalent.

The court case stems from a petition filed by former lawmaker Mary Begumisa, an independent candidate. Ms. Begumisa alleges that the incumbent MP lacks the requisite UACE certificate. Furthermore, the petition challenges the validity of the January 15, 2026 parliamentary election, claiming the polls were tainted by widespread ballot stuffing and election violence.

Ms. Nambaziira previously testified before the High Court in Masaka as the legal proceedings unfolded. The petitioner’s legal team contends that the educational documents presented do not meet the strict statutory standards for parliamentary eligibility. The NCHE official’s testimony is expected to provide definitive clarity on the equivalence and authenticity of the credentials in question.

For more details on this developing legal battle, read the full report on Daily Monitor.