Electoral Commission Denominates NUP MP Candidate Ntanda Shalif for Isingiro North Constituency: A Controversial Move Amid Allegations
KAMPALA, Uganda – The Electoral Commission of Uganda has made a shocking decision to denominate Ntanda Shalif Hakim, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Isingiro North Constituency, just days before the upcoming elections. Ntanda was poised to challenge Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Bright Rwamirama, in what many believed would be a highly contested race.
This move, which has stirred political controversy, comes after a formal complaint was lodged with the Electoral Commission (EC) by two individuals who alleged that they did not append their signatures or names to Ntanda’s nomination papers. In a letter dated December 19, 2025, the EC revealed that following investigations into the claims, they found that two of the ten supporters listed on Ntanda’s nomination form had denied their involvement in the process.
The Complaint and Investigation
The two individuals, Nabunya Afuwa and Nalubowa Amina Musa, appeared before the Electoral Commission on November 13 and 14, 2025, where they swore affidavits, publicly stating that they had neither signed nor endorsed Ntanda’s nomination form. Their accusations, combined with the verification of the signatures, led the EC to declare the nomination invalid.
According to the Parliamentary Elections Act Cap. 177, Section 28 (1)(c), the EC requires that all signatures from the required supporters be valid and authentic for the nomination to stand. In Ntanda’s case, the EC determined that only eight of the ten signatures on his nomination form were legitimate, leaving the remaining two in question. As a result, the EC declared the nomination void, officially quashing the decision of the Returning Officer for Isingiro Electoral District.
EC’s Official Decision
The Electoral Commission’s chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, issued the ruling, stating, “Accordingly, the decision of the Returning Officer Isingiro Electoral District in nominating the Respondent (Ntanda) is hereby quashed.” This move effectively removes Ntanda from the race for the Isingiro North seat.
The decision has sparked heated reactions across the political spectrum, particularly from Ntanda’s supporters and members of the NUP.
NUP Leader Kyagulanyi Speaks Out
NUP Principal Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has strongly condemned the EC’s action, claiming that the move is part of a broader scheme to sabotage the opposition ahead of the 2026 elections. Kyagulanyi alleged that the two complainants, Nabunya Afuwa and Nalubowa Amina Musa, were subjected to bribery and intimidation by regime operatives to falsely deny their signatures. He also claimed that several other candidates, including the Woman MP candidate for the district, had been similarly targeted in recent weeks.
Kyagulanyi issued a statement on social media, saying:
“They have yet again denominated another NUP candidate, Ntanda Shalif, who has been running against Bright Rwamirama in Isingiro North Constituency. One day after denominating the Woman MP of the same district, and several others before. Over these past weeks, regime operatives have approached him with offers of hundreds of millions to step down. Upon refusal, they have now denominated him. The very operatives abducted two of those who signed his nomination papers and forced them to claim that they never signed for him. The conditions for the removal of Museveni have never been as ripe as they are today. The impunity is unprecedented. The people of Uganda must rise to the occasion and say ENOUGH.”
Kyagulanyi’s remarks suggest that the NUP sees these actions as part of a systematic attempt to eliminate opposition candidates through both legal and extrajudicial means.
Implications for the Isingiro North Race
Ntanda Shalif’s removal from the race significantly alters the political landscape in Isingiro North Constituency, which has already seen intense campaigning between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition parties. With Minister Bright Rwamirama now facing a less formidable opponent, the NRM‘s chances of retaining the seat appear to improve. However, the controversy surrounding Ntanda’s denomination could further inflame tensions between the ruling government and opposition parties, who are already accusing the Electoral Commission of bias and political interference.
What’s Next for Ntanda?
As the NUP contests the EC’s decision, legal battles may ensue, especially as the party looks for ways to reaffirm Ntanda’s candidacy or challenge the commission’s ruling in court. Political analysts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future elections and potentially impact voter turnout and sentiment.
Conclusion: A Bitter Political Struggle
The denomination of Ntanda Shalif from the Isingiro North race is just the latest chapter in Uganda’s politically charged environment as the 2026 elections approach. While the ruling Electoral Commission maintains that the decision is rooted in legal grounds, the opposition sees it as another example of electoral manipulation, fueling allegations of political persecution and misconduct.
With accusations flying from both sides, this controversy is sure to remain a hot topic as Uganda’s election season heats up. The true motivations behind the Electoral Commission’s decision and its broader implications for democracy in Uganda remain to be seen.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
