KAMPALA, Uganda – Questions have emerged over NRM candidate Robert Mugabe’s academic qualifications as a Kampala-based law firm, Ochieng Associated Advocates & Solicitors, has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) seeking access to the academic and nomination documents of Mr. Mugabe, the NRM flag bearer for the Kitagwenda County parliamentary seat.
The letter, which was seen by our reporter and dated October 24, 2025, was addressed to the EC Secretary. In it, the firm stated that it was acting on behalf of Baguma Ronald, who is questioning the authenticity of Mr. Mugabe’s academic qualifications.
“We act for and on behalf of Baguma Ronald, herein referred to as our client, upon whose instructions we address you as hereunder,” the letter reads in part.
According to the petition, Mr. Baguma alleges that Mr. Mugabe may not have met the academic requirements prescribed under Ugandan law to contest for a parliamentary seat. The complaint cites Article 80(1)(c) of the Constitution and Sections 4(1)(c) and 30(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which set out the minimum education qualifications for Members of Parliament.
“Our client is not convinced that the said candidate possesses the requisite papers and qualifications to be nominated for the position of Member of Parliament,” the letter adds.
The law firm requested the EC to provide photocopies of all academic and nomination documents submitted by Mr. Mugabe to enable their client to verify his eligibility.
“The purpose of this request is to have your office avail our client with photocopies of all documents previously submitted by Mr. Mugabe Robert to determine the next course of action,” the firm wrote.
The petition, which bears the EC’s security registry stamp dated October 28, 2025, has sparked mixed reactions among Mr. Mugabe’s supporters, with some describing it as a politically motivated move aimed at derailing his campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections.
