EC Nullifies NUP’s Ongelech Charles Nomination, Declares NRM’s Opolot Patrick Isiagi Unopposed for Kachumbala County MP Seat
In a decisive ruling, the Electoral Commission (EC) has annulled the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ongelech Charles for the Kachumbala County Parliamentary seat, paving the way for his sole opponent to be declared elected unopposed.
The decision was communicated in a formal letter dated 10th November 2025 and signed by the EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama. This action followed a petition filed by Atum George William, represented by M/s E. Wamimbi Advocates & Solicitors, which challenged the authenticity of the signatures Ongelech submitted as part of his nomination requirements.
Unchallenged Evidence Leads to Disqualification
According to the EC’s proceedings, the petition was heard on 7th November 2025. The respondent, Ongelech Charles, and his counsel were absent. The Commission subsequently granted the petitioner’s legal team leave to present their case.
The core of the petition relied on sworn affidavits from six individuals: Atukei Anna Christine, Aolio Pail, Anyapa Robert, Asukan John Bosco, Malinga Brian, and Isimai Phillips. All six disowned the signatures attributed to them on Ongelech’s nomination papers, testifying that they did not consent to, support, or sign the documents for the candidate.
The EC noted that this affidavit evidence remained “unchallenged/unrebutted” by Ongelech Charles. Furthermore, the Commission highlighted that although the witnesses were present on the 5th and 6th of November for cross-examination, the respondent “chose not to show up on both occasions.”
Finding of Non-Compliance
After considering the uncontested evidence, the Commission found that with six of his ten supporters disavowing their signatures, candidate Ongelech Charles was left with only four valid supporters. This fell short of the ten required under Section 28(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
Consequently, the Commission, under minute MIN.COMP/038/2025, resolved to denominate Ongelech Charles, stating that he had been “irregularly nominated.”
Opolot Patrick Isiagi Declared Unopposed
Following the nullification, the path was cleared for the only other nominated candidate. In a subsequent declaration (Form UO) dated 25th November 2025, the Bukedea District Returning Officer, Charles Joel Mugyenyi, officially declared Opolot Patrick Isiagi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) elected unopposed as the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kachumbala County.
Legal Counsel Hails Ruling
Speaking to the press, Counsel Emmanuel Wamimbi, who represented the petitioner, welcomed the ruling. He stated that the decision reinforces the importance of integrity and adherence to the legal framework within the electoral process.
This development ensures that Kachumbala County will have its representative in the next parliament without a contested election, as the NRM’s Opolot Patrick Isiagi is now the duly elected MP.
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