Sembabule MP Admits Skipping PLE and UCE Exams in Election Petition

What the report says

Sembabule District Woman MP Florence Nambaziira told Masaka High Court that she never sat the Primary Leaving Examination or the Uganda Certificate of Education exams as she defended her parliamentary election in a petition filed by her rival, independent candidate Mary Begumisa. According to Nile Post, the dispute also raises questions about whether Nambaziira’s vocational training and certificates meet the academic requirements for election to Parliament.

During cross-examination before Justice Christine Akello, Nambaziira said she instead pursued hairdressing training, completed three levels of certification, and later built a business through which she trains others in hairdressing and hair-product work. She said the coursework included both practical skills and business-related lessons, and argued that her professional background should be recognized.

The hearing also heard from Uganda National Examinations Board official Moses Mugizi, who testified by video link and said the documents presented would not qualify Nambaziira for university admission. Sembabule District Electoral Officer Gracious Aryaija also testified about the signing of declaration of results forms in some polling areas.

Begumisa’s petition goes beyond academic qualifications and includes claims about electoral irregularities, violence and pressure during the vote. Residents who addressed the court echoed concerns about the conduct of the election. The court is expected to weigh the documents, testimony and legal standards before deciding the case. More broadly, election petitions in Uganda often test both a winner’s eligibility and the integrity of the voting process.