Tension is rising among several parliamentary candidates in Mubende District after reports emerged that individuals who endorsed them during nominations are now denying their signatures—allegedly after receiving threats or bribes.
The concerns follow the Electoral Commission’s recent nullification of some candidates over forged signatures, a development that has sparked fear among contestants who now say their nominators are being coerced.
Woman MP aspirant Topista Tindimwebwa is among those affected. She says two people who originally endorsed her have now turned around and denied signing for her.
“Yesterday, when I escorted Henry Muhumuza to the Electoral Commission, I was shocked by what I saw. I hired the commissioner of oath and my personal assistant to meet the people who signed for me,” Tindimwebwa said.
She added that, during the meeting, two men refused to append their signatures on the consent forms she had prepared to confirm authenticity.
“Two of them rejected signing and my team overheard them on phone speaking to my opponent’s camp, promising them money worth Shs15 million to withdraw their support,” she said.
Tindimwebwa expressed frustration and emotional distress, saying she has invested heavily in her campaign.
“These men signed willingly, but now they are demanding money from me. They even switched off their phones because of the pressure from my team. I am really hurt,” she said.
She called on the Electoral Commission to intervene, accusing unknown actors of bribing nominators to create contradictions.
“I appeal to Justice Simon Byabakama to step in. Some people are bribing those who signed for us to deny their signatures. I am hopeful the Electoral Commission will handle this systematically,” she said.
Mubende District chairperson aspirant Vincent Kissanja is also facing similar challenges. He says several supporters who endorsed him have been approached by individuals allegedly offering money to withdraw their signatures.
“I have so far received five calls from people who signed for me, saying they were promised Shs5 million to deny their signatures. But I am strong and ready to face anyone,” Kissanja said.
The concerns come a day after Henry Muhumuza, the Kassambya County MP candidate, appeared before the Electoral Commission following a petition accusing him of forging signatures of two individuals.
Tindimwebwa previously contested in the NRM primaries, where she finished second with more than 36,000 votes.
As investigations continue, candidates are urging authorities to protect the integrity of the nomination process and prevent manipulation.