In a surprising turn of events, the Electoral Commission of Uganda is facing a legal challenge over alleged forged signatures on the nomination papers of a Youth MP candidate. The petition, filed by two registered voters and delegates, highlights a potential breach of constitutional rights and calls for stricter verification processes in the upcoming Youth Parliamentary Elections.
The petitioners, Ms. Damalie Nambalirwa and Mr. Ali Shafiq nBisaso, claim that their signatures were fraudulently used to endorse the candidacy of Ssentamu Churchill James for the Central Region Youth MP seat. In a letter dated October 31, 2025, their lawyers from Bristow Advocates, revealed that the duo discovered their names and signatures on the nomination forms on October 29, without their knowledge or consent. This discovery has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential misuse of voters' identities.
The letter emphasizes that the petitioners never signed or consented to support Mr. Ssentamu's nomination, describing the act as misrepresentation and falsification. The petitioners have demanded that the EC remove their names from the supporting forms, citing violations of their constitutional rights to informed consent and free participation in electoral processes. They have also requested certified copies of the Youth Parliamentary Register and verified nomination forms for all candidates, invoking Article 41 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, Cap 95.
The lawyers have given the commission three days to respond, warning that failure to act may lead to legal or administrative action. As of the latest updates, neither Ssentamu Churchill James nor the Electoral Commission has issued a public response. This development has sparked calls for enhanced verification measures to ensure the authenticity and voluntary nature of signatures on nomination forms.
The Youth Parliamentary Elections, set to take place later this month, are crucial for selecting representatives of young people across Uganda. The incident has underscored the importance of robust verification processes to maintain the integrity of the democratic process and protect the rights of voters.
