KAMPALA. Maverick retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande ,who is the ruling National Resistance Movement flag bearer in Lwemiyaga County has welcomed the Electoral Commission’s decision upholding his questionable academic qualifications.
According to Brig.Rwashande , the petition filed by incumbent legislator Theodore Ssekikubo was largely intended to disrupt his campaign programme .
“This issue was already addressed by the National Council for Higher Education, which is responsible for certifying academic papers for nomination,” he said. “It was not necessary to take the matter to the Electoral Commission because both of us have previously gone through the same verification bodies.” Rwashande said shortly after the EC ruling
The Electoral Commission on Tuesday ruled that Rwashande’s military training and courses attained during his service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces provide him with an equivalent qualification of Senior Six required to contest for Member of Parliament.
He commended the Commission for taking time to investigate and deliver what he described as a fair and clarifying ruling.
“I thank the Electoral Commission for their thorough work. Their decision brings clarity and satisfies the country on what is required for justice and fairness,” he added.
But Mr Ssekikubo ,who seeks to extend his tenure in Parliament beyond 25 years , has since protested EC decision , alleging that the EC officials could have been coerced or bribed to rule in Rwashande’s favour .
“If EC says that a certificate of clearance from National Council for Higher Education is enough to prove one’s academic qualifications, Mr Mathias Walukagga ,who is contesting in Busiro East Constituency presented the same but the same commission has cancelled his nomination . There is something wrong with the leadership of the commission and President Museveni should also be careful , the same people may might play games with his votes ,” he said
Rwashande insists that his bid for the Lwemiyaga County seat is focused on improving service delivery and restoring trust between leaders and residents.
He said the academic dispute had diverted attention from issues that matter to the constituency.
“My purpose is to serve the people of Lwemiyaga properly,” he said. “Now that this matter has been resolved, the focus should return to development and addressing the needs of the community.”