Bukedea, Uganda: Tension and frustration have gripped Kachumbala County in Bukedea District after the Electoral Commission (EC) nullified the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Charles Ongelech, effectively declaring incumbent Patrick Isiagi Opolot unopposed for the 2026 parliamentary race.
The ruling, delivered on November 25, 2025, by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, followed a petition filed by George William Atum, who challenged the authenticity of signatures used to endorse Ongelech’s nomination.
According to the Commission, six of the ten required signatures were found invalid, leaving Ongelech with only four, below the legal threshold under Section 28(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The verdict immediately cleared the path for Isiagi, a close political ally and counterpart of Speaker Anita Among, to retain the Kachumbala County seat without facing a ballot challenge. The announcement has triggered outrage across villages in the county, with residents accusing the EC of undermining their constitutional right to choose their leader.
“The Electoral Commission is no longer a body to trust in this country,” said David Oumo, a voter from Apade Village. “They have shown blatant partiality, especially against opposition candidates. The people of Kachumbala deserved a chance to choose.” Oumo said Ongelech’s message of improving education and health services resonated with local needs. “Imagine, getting a Division One here is a miracle,” he added, arguing that the county needed leaders who understand their daily struggles.
Jesca Kongai questioned why, for the second election cycle, Bukedea politics appears marred by procedural controversies. “Why do they fear competition? Why not let the people choose based on track records?” she asked.
Others accused the EC of aligning itself with the ruling NRM. John Otule Okapel said the decision reinforced perceptions that opposition candidates are being targeted. “The Commission is supposed to be neutral, but it seems they are conspiring with the NRM. Our leaders fear competition,” he said.
One of the signatories who endorsed Ongelech’s candidature, Peter James Okello, said he felt threatened for simply exercising his constitutional right. “We were approached legally to endorse Ongelech. Now, we are treated as traitors,” he said. He urged the EC to return to the ground “to get the truth from the people.”
Ongelech himself described the ruling as “a lot of injustice,” saying he had already instructed his legal team to explore an appeal. He accused political actors of intimidating voters and spreading false promises meant to weaken his candidature. “I am not withdrawing. The people of Kachumbala asked me to stand, and I will not betray them,” he vowed.
Records show the EC held an initial hearing on November 6, 2025, which Ongelech requested to postpone so he could attend personally. The Commission agreed and rescheduled for November 7.
However, the EC later claimed neither Ongelech nor his lawyers turned up, an account Ongelech disputes. Witnesses presented by the petitioner testified that they did not endorse him, and without cross-examination from Ongelech’s side, the Commission concluded the evidence was uncontested.
As residents continue to express anger, the declaration of Isiagi, Speaker Among’s political ally, as unopposed has intensified debates over fairness, due process and the credibility of electoral institutions in Bukedea and beyond.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
