Isingiro, Uganda: The Electoral Commission (EC) has annulled the nomination of opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ntanda Shalif Bin Hakim for the Isingiro County North parliamentary race, deepening tensions between the opposition and the electoral body just weeks to the 2026 General Elections.
The decision, communicated in a letter dated December 19, 2025, signed by EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, followed a complaint lodged by two registered voters who denied endorsing Ntanda’s nomination.
The EC ruled that Ntanda failed to meet the statutory requirement of ten valid supporters, as required under Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, rendering his nomination invalid.
According to the Commission, complainants Nalubowa Amina Musa and Nabunya Afuwa appeared before the EC on two occasions, swore affidavits denying their signatures, and remained “steadfast and unshaken” under cross-examination.
The EC further noted that Ntanda admitted the supporters’ signatures were collected by an agent in his absence and that only eight supporters were found valid.
“Given the stated invalidity, the Respondent’s nomination is annulled,” Byabakama stated, also quashing the Returning Officer’s earlier decision to nominate him.
Bobi Wine Cries Foul
The decision sparked an immediate backlash from Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who accused the EC of systematically targeting NUP candidates.
In a post on his official X account on Friday, December 26, Kyagulanyi wrote: “BYABAKAMA! He has yet again de-nominated another @NUP_Ug candidate, Ntanda Shalif… One day after de-nominating the Woman MP candidate of the same district.”
Kyagulanyi alleged that Ntanda had been approached with offers of money to step down, and that upon refusal, the de-nomination followed. He further claimed that two signatories were abducted and coerced into disowning their signatures, allegations the EC has yet to publicly address.
“The impunity is unprecedented. The people of Uganda must rise to the occasion and say ENOUGH,” Kyagulanyi added.
Ntanda Shalif was expected to challenge Minister Bright Rwamirama, a senior figure in the ruling NRM, in what had shaped up as a competitive contest in Isingiro North.
The EC insists the decision was procedural and lawful, while NUP maintains it reflects selective enforcement that is narrowing opposition space as polling day approaches.
With multiple opposition candidates already de-nominated across districts, the latest ruling adds to growing scrutiny of the EC’s handling of nominations ahead of January 2026.
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