Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has invalidated the academic record of Adupa Ongwech Felix, the declared winner of the NRM Kioga County MP primaries, stating that the credentials submitted do not match official UNEB records.
In a letter dated 31 July 2025, with reference number EA/GEN/41, addressed to Bashaasha & Co. Advocates, UNEB stated that the UACE index number U0336/524 for the year 2010, which Adupa claimed as his own, is, in fact, registered under a different name Sanyu Celement.
The Board noted that the names were not the same and confirmed that the individual officially associated with that index number was Sanyu Celement.
It also clarified that its mandate is limited to verifying the authenticity of academic records, not the physical identity of persons who submit them.
The letter was signed by UNEB Executive Director Dan N. Odongo.
This revelation has intensified the political standoff following the controversial NRM primary elections in Kioga County, which were held on 17 July 2025.
Adupa Ongwech Felix was declared winner by District Registrar Henery Ojok, after polling 3,960 votes (26%), narrowly defeating Carlos Opul with 3,744 votes (25%), and Col. Dr John Francis Ongia, who trailed with 3,719 votes (25%).
Several contestants, including Ongia, Opul, and Odongo Lawrence Jago, rejected the results, alleging that the election was marred by irregularities that compromised its credibility.
Col. Dr Ongia subsequently filed a petition before the NRM Electoral Tribunal, challenging both the electoral process and Adupa’s academic eligibility.
The petition is scheduled for hearing on Monday, 4 August 2025, in Kampala.
Under Uganda’s electoral laws, aspirants for parliamentary office must possess at least a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent.
The UNEB findings have raised doubts about Adupa Ongwech Felix’s compliance with this legal requirement, and if the tribunal upholds the petition, it could lead to the annulment of his victory.
Legal experts have observed that the UNEB letter may serve as critical evidence in the tribunal’s proceedings.
They also noted that should it be established that Adupa submitted fraudulent academic credentials, he could face prosecution under Uganda’s laws on forgery and academic fraud.
In response, Adupa Ongwech Felix dismissed the allegations as “political blackmail and cheap propaganda,” claiming they were orchestrated by Col. Dr. Ongia, whom he accused of attempting to sway public opinion by litigating through the media instead of the proper legal channels.
He added that since the matter is before the NRM Tribunal, he would reserve further comment until all evidence is formally presented and a verdict is reached.
The NRM Secretariat has also remained silent on the issue.
The unfolding events have reignited concerns over candidate vetting procedures within the party and the integrity of the internal electoral process.
Political commentators have warned that how the NRM and the tribunal handle this case could influence the public’s trust in the upcoming 2026 general elections, particularly on matters of candidate eligibility and transparency.
The tribunal’s decision on Monday is widely anticipated and may set a significant precedent in upholding electoral standards both within the ruling party and nationally.
