By Our Reporter
The race for the Kachumbala County Parliamentary seat has concluded dramatically before a single vote was cast, following the Electoral Commission's (EC) nullification of the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirant Ongelech Charles.
The decision effectively cleared the path for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer, Isiagi Patrick Opolot, who was officially declared the unopposed Member of Parliament by the Returning Officer this afternoon.
The EC’s ruling, communicated in a formal letter dated November 10, 2025, and signed by Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, found that Ongelech’s nomination was fatally flawed due to widespread irregularities, specifically concerning the authenticity of supporters’ signatures.
The nullification stemmed from a petition filed by Atum George William, through M/s E. Wamimbi Advocates & Solicitors, challenging the legitimacy of the documents Ongelech submitted during his nomination process.
According to evidence presented to the EC, six of the ten mandatory supporters required to back a parliamentary aspirant—identified as Atukei Anna Christine, Aolio Paul, Anyapa Robert, Asukan John Bosco, Malinga Brian, and Isimai Phillips—disowned the signatures attributed to them. They swore affidavits affirming they had neither supported nor endorsed Ongelech’s candidature.
Counsel Emmanuel Wamimbi, representing the petitioner, praised the Commission’s strong stance against electoral fraud.
“The law is clear. A candidate must present ten genuine supporters. If six of them swear under oath that their signatures were forged, that nomination cannot stand,” Wamimbi stated. “We applaud the Commission for protecting the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process.”
The EC’s decision was further compounded by Ongelech’s failure to defend himself against the allegations. The Commission noted that the respondent failed to appear for two scheduled hearings—on November 6 and 7, 2025—despite being granted an adjournment specifically to allow him to testify in person.
In its verdict, filed under minute MIN.COMP/038/2025, the EC concluded that Ongelech had only four valid supporters, falling significantly short of the ten required under Section 28(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177. Consequently, his nomination was declared irregular and invalid.
With the NUP candidate struck off the race, Charles Joel Mugyenyi, the Returning Officer for Bukedea District, officially declared Isiagi Patrick Opolot Unopposed for the Kachumbala County parliamentary seat.
Addressing journalists at the EC District Office in Bukedea shortly after receiving his declaration form at 2:00 PM today, Isiagi expressed profound gratitude to the electorate and his party.
“I thank the people of Kachumbala for their overwhelming confidence. This isn’t just a victory; it is a responsibility. I pledge to honor it with honest service, infrastructure development, and a leadership style that listens,” Isiagi remarked, vowing to serve the constituency with "humility and renewed energy.”
He also commended the electoral body for its decisive action against malpractice.
“The Commission has shown that the rules apply to everyone. This strengthens our democracy,” he added.
Political observers note that this dramatic turn of events has reshaped the Kachumbala political landscape, providing NRM with one of the first uncontested parliamentary victories of the 2026 election cycle as Isiagi glides seamlessly into the 12th Parliament.
