UNEB to Hear Disqualified Atwine, Stirring New Turn in Isingiro North Race

Isingiro North’s parliamentary contest has taken a new turn after the examinations board agreed to hear disqualified candidate James Atwine’s appeal.

UNEB has invited Atwine to appear before its security committee to review its decision to nullify his letters of verification of results. 

“The purpose of the hearing is to address to your invalidated letters of verification of results following a consent court order… appear with your legal representative, if any, and any documentation to support your case,” a UNEB letter addressed to Alma Associated Advocates reads in part. 

The Electoral Commission removed Atwine from the race on November 10, the decision relying on UNEB’s communication that his verification letters were invalid.The complaint that triggered the inquiry came from Isingiro resident Benson Kazungu, who petitioned the Commission under Article 61 (1) (f) and sections 15 and 46 of the Electoral Commission Act. Kazungu argued that Atwine used invalid verification letters during his nomination on October 22, 2025. 

However, Atwine disputed the move. In his defence, he said that UNEB acted without proper review and points to what he describes as an error. For instance, he pointed out that the index number that UNEB reviewed to give its verdict is not his. His is U1436/037.

If UNEB used index number U1436/037, as Atwine says, this would explain why the board concluded the documents belonged to another person.

After spotting the error, Atwine pushed for a hearing. He received no response, so on Wednesday he camped at the UNEB offices to protest the move to void his academic papers.

When told that UNEB would hear him, Atwine said this was what he had been seeking. He said he had already secured a court order directing UNEB to give him a hearing, but the board had not acted on it.

For now, Atwine is still fighting to overturn his disqualification. Other candidates that were nominated for the post include Minister Bright Rwamirama and DP’s Kassim Kagwisagye, who has since withdrawn.