IUIU Cancels Kitagwenda MP Flag Bearer Robert Mugabe’s Academic Papers 12 Days to Election

KAMPALA — In a major blow to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign in Kitagwenda District, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has officially cancelled the Mature Age Entry Certificate of its parliamentary flag bearer, Robert Mugabe.

The university’s decision, finalized during an Executive Board meeting on December 31, 2025, comes just 12 days before the high-stakes 2026 General Elections, throwing Mugabe’s candidacy into a state of legal and political uncertainty.

In a letter dated January 2, 2026, and signed by the Academic Registrar, Dr. Adam A. Alli, IUIU revealed that an internal investigation found the documents Mugabe submitted to sit for the May 2021 Mature Age Entry Aptitude Test were "fraudulently obtained."

The university stated that the cancellation takes "immediate effect," stripping Mugabe of all academic benefits, rights, and privileges associated with the certificate. He has been ordered to return the original document to the Office of the Academic Registrar within 14 days or face potential legal action.

A Pattern of Academic Doubts

This is not the first time Mugabe’s credentials have come under fire. Earlier in the campaign cycle:

 October 2025: Law firm Ochieng Associated Advocates & Solicitors petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) on behalf of a constituent, Ronald Baguma, questioning the authenticity of Mugabe’s papers.

 UNEB Intervention: Reports indicate that the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) previously scrutinized Mugabe’s earlier qualifications, with a security committee finding that a forged 1999 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) result slip had been used to obtain his subsequent UCE and UACE certificates.

Election Implications

The timing of the cancellation is critical. With polling day less than a fortnight away, the Electoral Commission is now under pressure to review Mugabe’s eligibility. Under Ugandan law, a candidate for Member of Parliament must possess a minimum formal education of Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent. If the Mature Age Entry Certificate was the basis for his nomination, his candidacy could be disqualified.

Mugabe, who beat incumbent Joseph Nulu Byamukama in the NRM primaries, was set to face a crowded field of six independent candidates. Neither Mugabe nor the NRM Secretariat has issued a formal response to the IUIU letter, though his supporters have previously dismissed the allegations as "political sabotage."

As of this morning, the Electoral Commission has not yet confirmed whether it will strike Mugabe from the ballot.