Tension is mounting in Kachumbala County, Bukedea District, after the National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate, Mr. Charles Ongelech, accused agents linked to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of orchestrating a campaign to force him out of the 2026 race.
In an audio message directed to the Electoral Commission, Mr. Ongelech maintained that he remains a fully nominated candidate and will not withdraw his candidature under any circumstances.
“I’m not withdrawing. I want to send this message directly to the Electoral Commission chairman Bukedea Mr. Mugenyi Charles and Justice Simon Byabakama, that I am not withdrawing. It is the NRM that is doing everything possible to get me off the ballot paper,” Ongelech said in statement.
According to Ongelech, efforts to frustrate his candidature have intensified since his nomination last week.
He claims that several NRM operatives are allegedly threatening his family members and coercing his nominators to denounce their signatures, an act he describes as a clear attempt to nullify his nomination.
“Right now, there are people going to my father, trying to make him denounce me. They have also gone to my nominators, including a lady called Atukei Anna Christine, intimidating her and offering money so that she withdraws her support for my candidature,” he revealed.
He further alleged that some residents have been asked to claim that he lured them with promises of solar panels under the pretext of registration exercises, only to later discover that their details were being used in the nomination exercise.
“This is becoming like Bukedea is a country of its own rules. The people of Kachumbala should know that this election belongs to them. If it’s about leadership, then they should be free to choose whoever they want,” Ongelech stated.
He insisted that Kachumbala is big enough for all candidates, and that every contestant deserves a fair opportunity to present their manifesto to the electorate.
“Why don’t they want competition? All of us should be allowed to face the people and let them decide. I have fought from the beginning, and I am still fighting to make sure I’m on that ballot,” he added.
Ongelech claimed that his troubles began immediately after his successful nomination, which he says came after several attempts by electoral officials to frustrate him.
“That day, when they tried to block me from being nominated, I asked myself what I would tell the people of Kachumbala, that I failed to nominate? That’s why I stood at the gate and shouted until they allowed me in. They were ashamed, and they finally nominated me,” he recounted.
He believes that his persistence has unsettled his opponents, whom he accuses of plotting to ensure the incumbent NRM candidate, Hon. Patrick Isiagi, goes unopposed.
“They are willing to do anything to make sure they go unopposed. But I want to say, I will not withdraw. The people of Kachumbala asked me from the beginning if I would be bribed like others before me, and I told them, I am not those,” Ongelech emphasized.
When asked if he has reported the intimidation to the authorities, Ongelech admitted that he has not yet approached the police due to fears that security agencies might be compromised.
“I have not gone to the police because I fear they may be working with the incumbent. We have seen these things before,” he said.
The candidate instead appealed to the Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and transparency in handling electoral complaints, warning that any attempt to tamper with his candidature would signal collusion between the Commission and his political rivals.
“If the Electoral Commission listens to such nonsense and allows them to remove me from the ballot, then I will know they are working together,” he warned.
As of press time, the Electoral Commission had not issued a statement nor responded to Ongelech’s allegations. The National Unity Platform (NUP) party had also not issued an official statement regarding the alleged intimidation of its flag bearer in Kachumbala.
However, sources within the party’s regional coordination office indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely and will soon petition the Electoral Commission for intervention.
Political analysts warn that such actions, if proven true, could undermine confidence in the 2026 general elections, particularly in constituencies that have historically faced accusations of electoral malpractice.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ongelech remains defiant, vowing to stay in the race until the people of Kachumbala have the final say.
“I will not be intimidated. I will remain on that ballot. The people of Kachumbala deserve a choice, and that choice includes me,” he concluded.
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