The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially denominated National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for Kachumbala County in Bukedea District Mr. Charles Ongelech, effectively removing him from the 2026 parliamentary race and rendering incumbent Hon. Patrick Isiagi unopposed.
The decision, communicated through a detailed ruling signed by Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, follows a petition lodged by Mr. Atum George William on October 31, 2025, challenging the authenticity of the supporters’ signatures used to nominate the NUP candidate.
According to the EC ruling, Mr. Atum alleged that six out of the ten mandatory supporters whose signatures appeared on Ongelech’s nomination forms did not endorse him.
The individuals identified were: Atukei Anna Christine, Aolio Paul, Anyapa Robert, Asukan John Bosco, Malinga Brian and Isimai Phillips
The petitioner attached sworn affidavits from all six individuals categorically denying that they signed or consented to endorse the NUP candidate.
They further prayed that their names be expunged from the nomination documents, arguing that the inclusion of falsified signatures rendered the nomination invalid.
The matter first came up for hearing before the Commission on November 6, 2025, where the petitioner was represented by Counsel Emmanuel Wamimbi. The respondent, Mr. Ongelech, did not attend the session despite formal notification.
Counsel Jonathan Eluto of M/s Pace Advocates appeared before the Commission, informing the tribunal that he had instructions to seek an adjournment to allow the candidate to appear in person.
The Commission granted the request, scheduling the next hearing for November 7, 2025.
However, on the appointed date, neither Mr. Ongelech nor his lawyer appeared. This allowed the petitioner to proceed unchallenged, presenting witnesses for cross-examination, witnesses who were present and ready but ultimately faced no contest due to the respondent’s absence.
After reviewing the affidavit evidence and the procedural history of the case, the Electoral Commission made several key observations: The testimonies from all six witnesses denying signing the nomination forms were unchallenged and unrebutted, Despite two opportunities to attend hearings and cross-examine the witnesses, the respondent failed to appear and With six signatures invalidated, the Commission determined that Ongelech had only four valid supporters, far below the required minimum of ten (10) stipulated under Section 28(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
The Commission concluded that the NUP candidate was irregularly nominated due to non-compliance with the legal requirements.
In its final ruling, the EC invoked its authority and resolved: “The Commission, under MIN.COMP/038/2025, resolves to denominate the said candidate, he having been irregularly nominated.”
The ruling was copied to Mr. Ongelech and the Returning Officer for Bukedea District, formally confirming that he no longer qualifies as a candidate for the 2026 parliamentary elections.
With Ongelech’s denomination, the incumbent Hon. Patrick Isiagi, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), automatically becomes the unopposed candidate for Kachumbala County.
This outcome solidifies his path to another term in Parliament without facing electoral competition.
However, this development comes just days after Mr. Ongelech recorded a widely circulated video claiming that he was being forced to withdraw from the race.
He alleged that NRM agents were threatening his family members and bribing his nominators to denounce him.
Among those he mentioned in his earlier statements was Atukei Anna Christine, whose affidavit ironically ended up being central in the petition that led to his denomination.
Ongelech had accused political actors of deceiving some residents with promises of solar panels in order to manipulate their signatures and later use them to challenge his nomination.
He further stated that individuals had approached his father, attempting to pressure him to denounce his son’s candidature.
At the time, he insisted: “I am not withdrawing. The people of Kachumbala asked me to stand, and I will not betray them.”
However, his absence at the key EC hearings weakened his defense and left the petitioner’s allegations uncontested.
Political analyst Andrew Otim based in Soroti says this incident reignites debate over the integrity of nomination processes in Uganda.
He argues that a candidate’s failure to appear before the Commission in such a crucial matter significantly undermines their ability to defend themselves, regardless of the political pressures they may face.
He noted that the NUP candidate still has the option to appeal the EC decision in the High Court, although the window for such action is limited.
About Author
