Electoral Commission Directs Petition on Sodo’s Qualifications to Education Bodies
KAMPALA – The Electoral Commission in the Southern Central region has formally responded to a petition challenging the academic qualifications of Mawogola North parliamentary hopeful, Aine Kaguta Sodo.
This follows a complaint filed by lawyer Jet John Tumwebaze, who alleged that Sodo does not possess the requisite academic credentials to legally contest for the parliamentary seat.
In its official response, the Commission has advised Tumwebaze to take his inquiry directly to the relevant national education bodies for verification. Specifically, the Commission instructed the lawyer to seek confirmation from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
The move shifts the immediate burden of proof onto the petitioner to formally substantiate his claims with the mandated institutions. The National Council for Higher Education is responsible for accrediting university qualifications, while UNEB is the custodian of primary and secondary school examination records.
The petition by Tumwebaze has introduced a new layer of scrutiny to the electoral process in Mawogola North. The case highlights the legal requirement for parliamentary candidates in Uganda to hold a minimum of an Advanced Level (UACE) certificate or its equivalent.
As of now, there has been no public statement from Aine Kaguta Sodo or his campaign team regarding the allegations. The development puts the candidacy under a cloud of uncertainty pending the outcome of the verification process initiated by the petitioner.
The Electoral Commission’s directive indicates that it will await the official findings from NCHE and UNEB before making any definitive ruling on Sodo’s eligibility to remain on the ballot.
About The Author
