By Nathan Eyagu

Bukedea District — National Unity Platform (NUP) aspiring candidate for Kachumbala Constituency, Ongelech Charles, has raised concerns over alleged intimidation, bribery attempts, and deliberate efforts to block his participation in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.

While addressing the media this morning, Ongelech recounted the challenges he faced during his nomination on the 23rd of this month, describing the process as “difficult and frustrating.”

“I went through a lot to be nominated on the 23rd of this month. I had to speak out loudly for the whole world to hear me. But after the nomination, things changed — they are now trying all means to buy me off, yet I have told them clearly that I don’t need money,” he stated.

Ongelech alleged that individuals linked to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are visiting his home area, attempting to convince his supporters to withdraw their backing for his candidature.

He said one of his nominees, Atukei Anna Christine, together with others, has been threatened, adding that the situation has become “too much” and worrying.

“Over four people who nominated me are being taken to Bukedea District to denounce my candidature. They want to come unopposed, and I am failing to understand why they fear competition,” he explained.

The NUP hopeful accused the area NRM leaders of being part of the scheme to intimidate him and his supporters.

He further claimed that some residents have been coerced into alleging that he lured them with promises of solar panels under the pretext of registration exercises — claims he dismissed as false and politically motivated.

“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 remarked.

He emphasized that Kachumbala Constituency is large enough for all candidates to compete freely and fairly.

“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 said.

Ongelech recounted his nomination ordeal, saying he had to protest at the Electoral Commission offices before being allowed to submit his papers.

“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 narrated.

He believes his persistence unsettled his opponents, whom he accuses of plotting to ensure the incumbent NRM candidate, Hon. Patrick Isiagi, runs 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,” he vowed.

Despite the mounting pressure, Ongelech maintains that he will stay in the race and allow the voters of Kachumbala to make their own choice.

“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.

As of press time, the Electoral Commission and the NRM leadership in Kachumbala were yet to comment on the allegations. The National Unity Platform (NUP) had also not issued an official statement regarding the reported intimidation of its flag bearer, though sources within the party’s regional coordination office indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely and plan to petition the Electoral Commission for intervention.