Voters in Kachumbala County, Bukedea District, have expressed discontent following the Electoral Commission’s (EC) recent decision to nullify the candidacy of Charles Ongelech, the National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate.
The ruling, which effectively paved the way for incumbent Patrick Isiagi Opolot to be declared unopposed, has sparked outrage among constituents who feel their democratic rights have been undermined.
The ruling, issued on November 25, 2025, by the EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, stems from a petition filed by George William Atum on October 31, 2025. Atum challenged the validity of the signatures submitted to support Ongelech’s nomination, claiming that six out of the ten required signatures were invalid. The EC’s subsequent review deemed Ongelech’s nomination irregular, leaving him with only four valid signatures, thus disqualifying him under Section 28(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
Residents highlighted Ongelech’s manifesto, which focused on improving education and health services in the county. Many expressed disappointment that they would not have the opportunity to vote for a candidate who resonated with their needs. Several community members raised concerns regarding the process that led to Ongelech’s disqualification.
David Oumo, a voter from Apade Village in Kawo Parish, criticized the EC, stating: ‘The Electoral Commission is no longer a body to trust in this country. They have shown blatant partiality and intimidation of the rule of law, especially against opposition candidates.’ Oumo emphasized that the people of Kachumbala County should have the right to choose their representative freely. ‘Imagine, getting a Division One in our education system here is a miracle,’ he lamented, stressing the importance of having representatives who understand local challenges.
Jesca Kongai pointed out past irregularities during the Bukedea Woman MP seat elections, questioning, ‘Why do they fear competition? Why not let the people choose their leaders based on their track records?’
John Otule Okapel voiced his frustration, claiming that the EC has aligned itself with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
‘The Commission is supposed to be neutral, but it seems they are conspiring with the NRM. Our leaders fear competition, and it’s our constitutional right to contest,’ he said. Peter James Okello, a resident and one of the signatories supporting Ongelech, reported feeling threatened for backing the NUP candidate.
‘We were approached to endorse Ongelech legally. Now, we are seen as traitors for exercising our constitutional rights,’ he lamented. Okello called on the EC to return to the people, gather accurate information, and allow for a fair electoral process. Charles Ongelech has since stated that he feels ‘a lot of injustice’ has occurred and has been consulting with his lawyers to explore options for appeal.
He accused certain political figures of manipulating constituents with false promises to undermine his candidacy. ‘I am not withdrawing. The people of Kachumbala asked me to stand, and I will not betray them,’ he declared, despite the challenges he faces. The initial hearing regarding the petition took place on November 6, 2025. Ongelech’s legal team sought an adjournment to allow him to attend, which the Commission granted, rescheduling the hearing for November 7.
However, the EC later claimed that neither Ongelech nor his lawyers appeared at the rescheduled hearing, a statement Ongelech vehemently denies. During the proceedings, witnesses presented by Atum testified against their endorsement of Ongelech, but the lack of cross-examination from Ongelech’s side weakened his position. The EC concluded that the testimonies from the witnesses were unchallenged, leading to the decision to nullify his nomination.
As the dust settles on this contentious decision, the community of Kachumbala County remains on edge. Many view the EC’s ruling as an affront to their democratic rights, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Uganda.
With Patrick Isiagi now positioned as the unopposed candidate, the upcoming elections in Kachumbala County will reflect broader tensions surrounding electoral fairness and representation in the country.