Police in Kampala have arrested former Isingiro North MP aspirant James Atwine after he chained himself to the main gate of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) headquarters in protest.

Atwine was found locked to the UNEB entrance gate in a huge chain and a padlock in protest against the Board’s decision to invalidate his academic documents, a move that cost him a spot on the 2026 ballot.

Police officers arrived shortly after 9 am on Monday, December 8th, 2025, and forcefully removed Atwine from the entrance, arresting him for obstructing operations at the national examinations body.

Speaking moments before his arrest, Atwine accused UNEB of acting under political influence.

“UNEB verified my papers twice. How do they suddenly become invalid? Someone is trying to erase me from this race, but I will not be silenced,” he argued.

UNEB maintains it withdrew the earlier verification letters after new information emerged from school officials questioning whether Atwine ever studied at the institutions listed on his documents.

A senior UNEB source, who preferred anonymity said the Board is following procedure and cannot certify records that raise inconsistencies.

Police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the arrest saying that Atwine would be arraigned for causing public disorder.

“His grievances remain a civil matter between him and UNEB,” ASP Owoyesigyire stated.

Despite the disruption, UNEB has reportedly agreed to grant Atwine a formal hearing before its security committee, a step he insists he has been demanding for weeks.