Bobi Wine’s Nephew Faces Youth MP Disqualification Over Forgery Allegations
Kampala, Uganda – James Churchhill Ssentamu, the Makerere University Guild President and nephew of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), faces potential disqualification from the Youth MP race for the Buganda region following allegations that he forged nominators’ signatures to secure his nomination .
A formal complaint has been filed with the Electoral Commission by two registered voters from Rubaga Division, Damalie Nambalirwa and Ali Bisaso, who allege their names and signatures were used without their consent to support Ssentamu’s nomination . Through their lawyers, Bristow Advocates, the duo has accused Ssentamu of “criminal forgery” and “misrepresentation,” arguing that these actions violate their franchise rights .
🔍 Details of the Allegations
The controversy centers on the mandatory requirement for candidates to submit a list of registered voters who consent to support their nomination . In a petition filed with the Electoral Commission, the complainants state they were “shocked to see our names appear on his list of endorsers, yet we never signed or consented to support his candidature” .
Their lawyers have formally demanded that the Electoral Commission investigate and impose severe sanctions for the alleged criminal actions . The petitioners are also requesting access to the entire register of nominators for all candidates for the same seat to determine the full extent of the alleged forgery .
⚖️ Electoral Laws and Potential Consequences
The allegations against Ssentamu could constitute a violation of Section 76 of Uganda’s Parliamentary Elections Act, which criminalizes the falsification of documents submitted to the Electoral Commission . Such offenses carry the potential for disciplinary sanctions, including the cancellation of a candidature .
Julius Mucunguzi, an EC spokesperson, has confirmed receipt of the petition. “We have received a petition regarding the Central Region Youth MP race and will examine the evidence submitted before taking a position,” he stated . The commission’s investigation is expected to include forensic verification of the contested signatures and statements from all involved parties .
🗳️ Political Context and Candidate’s Profile
This incident occurs amidst heightened scrutiny on electoral integrity in Uganda. In a separate incident, the Kawempe Police Division recently foiled a scheme to forge voter signatures for a presidential candidate . Furthermore, the Common Man’s Party president, Mubarak Munyagwa, has publicly clashed with the EC after the commission invalidated most of the signatures his party submitted for his presidential nomination .
Despite his famous political lineage, Churchill Ssentamu has chosen to run as an independent candidate for Youth MP for the Central Region . He has publicly defended this decision, stating his campaign aims to promote unity across party lines. “Yes, there’s an umbrella but they have to see me as a tent that will bring everyone together,” Ssentamu said in a recent television appearance, explaining the deliberate choice of colors on his campaign posters .
📞 Ongoing Developments
As of early November 2025, efforts to reach Churchill Ssentamu for comment from various news outlets have been unsuccessful . Sources close to his campaign have characterized the allegations as “politically motivated,” aimed at discrediting his growing popularity among youth voters .
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce its decision in the coming days after completing a formal review of the petition and verifying the authenticity of the contested nomination forms . The outcome will determine whether Ssentamu’s bid for Youth MP proceeds and could set a significant precedent for accountability in youth elections .
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