By Mbalire Brian Kisuule II
(Your Daily Friend)
The Pearl of Africa News | Kampala
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has disqualified Churchill Ssentamu, the Makerere University Guild President and nephew to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. This disqualification is from the race for Central Youth Member of Parliament. The decision was announced following the close of the nomination process. It has sparked debate, particularly over Ssentamu’s disqualification from the Central Youth MP race, within youth political circles. Additionally, it has renewed scrutiny over electoral procedures, party discipline, and the space for independent candidates in Uganda’s political landscape.
According to the Electoral Commission, Ssentamu failed to fulfill one of the mandatory requirements for nomination. He did not submit the minimum number of valid supporter signatures as stipulated by electoral law. As a result, his nomination papers were rejected, effectively disqualifying Churchill Ssentamu from the Central Youth MP race and barring him from appearing on the ballot in the upcoming contest.
“The candidate did not meet the required threshold of supporter signatures necessary to qualify for nomination,” an Electoral Commission official stated, emphasizing that the rules apply equally to all aspirants regardless of political affiliation or public profile.
Ssentamu had entered the race as an independent candidate. This move immediately attracted attention due to his political background and family ties. Although he is a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s leading opposition party, the party had already endorsed an official flag bearer for the Central Youth MP position. Rather than contesting in the party’s internal primaries, Ssentamu opted to bypass the process. He sought nomination as an independent instead.
This decision placed him at the intersection of party loyalty and personal political ambition, illustrating the challenges young politicians face when deciding on their future paths. Such dilemmas are increasingly common, especially as Ssentamu’s disqualification from the Central Youth MP race highlights the intricate balance between independence and structured party systems.
“Running as an independent while belonging to a major opposition party was always going to raise questions,” noted a youth political analyst in Kampala. “But the bigger issue now is compliance with electoral requirements, not party politics.”
The Central Youth MP seat is considered a strategic position, representing millions of young Ugandans. Their concerns range from unemployment and education to civic participation and political freedoms. Competition for the seat has been intense. Candidates are scrambling to mobilize grassroots support across the region. In this context, the requirement for supporter signatures is intended to demonstrate a candidate’s national reach, a necessity that the disqualification from the Central Youth MP race underscored.
The Electoral Commission has defended its decision. They argue that adherence to nomination guidelines is essential to maintaining the credibility of the electoral process. EC officials reiterated that failure to meet any of the set requirements—whether signatures, documentation, or timelines—results in automatic disqualification, as seen in the case of Churchill Ssentamu and his Central Youth MP race bid.
“The Commission cannot bend the law for any individual,” another EC source said. “These guidelines are clear, and all candidates are expected to comply fully.”
Ssentamu’s disqualification is being interpreted by some supporters as a significant setback not only to his personal political aspirations. It is also a setback to the broader youth movement associated with the NUP and the Kyagulanyi political brand. On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some are expressing disappointment, while others urge young leaders to prioritize procedural discipline, aware that disqualifications can affect career aspirations, just as it has for Ssentamu in the Central Youth MP race.
Critics within opposition ranks have pointed to the importance of internal party cohesion. They argue that bypassing primaries weakens collective strategy and exposes candidates to unnecessary risks, a risk that materialized with Ssentamu’s disqualification from the Central Youth MP race.
“This should be a lesson to young politicians,” said a senior opposition mobilizer. “Party processes exist for a reason, and ignoring them can come at a high cost.”
For Ssentamu, who rose to prominence as Guild President at Makerere University, the disqualification marks a pause—if not an end—to his immediate parliamentary ambitions. While he remains a prominent youth figure, the absence of his name from the ballot underscores the unforgiving nature of electoral politics and the consequences of being disqualified from the Central Youth MP race.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the final list of nominated candidates for the Central Youth MP position will proceed without Ssentamu. As campaigns intensify, attention now shifts to the remaining contenders. People are interested in how they intend to articulate youth-centered policies in a highly competitive race, especially after a significant candidate like Ssentamu was disqualified from the Central Youth MP race.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that in Uganda’s electoral arena, popularity and pedigree must be matched with strict compliance to the law. This is a principle the Commission insists is non-negotiable, and Churchill Ssentamu’s disqualification from the Central Youth MP race serves as a pertinent example.
