By The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has threatened to take legal action against the Electoral Commission if it does not withdraw a recent directive requiring all candidates for President, Members of Parliament, and LCV Chairpersons to verify their academic documents through national examination bodies.
Speaking at a press conference on July 7, 2025, FDC Chief Electoral Commissioner Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda described the directive, issued by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, as “reckless and unlawful,” arguing that it directly contradicts Section 5 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (2005, as amended). The law exempts Ugandans who obtained their O’Level and A’Level qualifications locally from academic verification by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE).
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“We expect a legal authority like Justice Byabakama to speak from the law, not confusion,” Toterebuka said. “If the Electoral Commission does not withdraw this statement, we shall seek legal redress to prevent the exploitation of Ugandans under the guise of document verification.”
FDC also used the briefing to update the public on its ongoing primary elections. The party reported progress across the country, with successful nominations for over 15,000 elective positions, including 220 parliamentary seats, 42 LCV chairpersons, and more than 10,000 LC I chairpersons.
However, primary elections have been suspended in Soroti City, Soroti District, Ngora, and Serere due to irregularities in voter registers and other administrative concerns. A letter dated July 5 directed electoral supervisors in these areas to comply with the suspension until further notice.
Meanwhile, primaries in districts like Sironko, Kasese, and Mbale are proceeding on schedule, with Soroti and Mbale City expected to hold parliamentary and woman MP elections between July 11 and 12.
FDC called on media outlets to press the Electoral Commission for legal clarification on the academic verification issue and reaffirmed its commitment to uphold democratic practices while defending the rights of its candidates and voters.
