Handwriting Expert Alleges Forgery in Bukomansimbi Election Signatures

The High Court in Masaka is currently hearing an election petition challenging the results of the Bukomansimbi District Woman Member of Parliament race. The petition, filed by former MP Veronica Nanyondo of the National Unity Platform (NUP), alleges electoral irregularities and manipulation, seeking to overturn the victory of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Ruth Katushabe.

During a recent hearing, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Elisah Ssebuwufu, a government handwriting expert, presented findings from his forensic examination of election documents. Ssebuwufu testified that his analysis revealed significant differences between signatures on the Declaration of Results (DR) forms and those believed to belong to Nanyondo’s polling agents.

Specifically, the expert highlighted discrepancies concerning signatures attributed to polling agents Bwanika Tonny (Kagoggo B Polling Station) and Ashaba Martin (Bukomansimbi Primary School Polling Station). Furthermore, Ssebuwufu noted that a document associated with Claire Namirembe at Nkalwe Primary School Polling Station appeared to have had the name altered to Judith Namirembe.

Adding to the concerns, the expert stated that four out of the six DR forms he examined bore signatures that appeared to have been written by the same individual. This evidence is a key component of Nanyondo’s case, with her legal team arguing that it is sufficient grounds to nullify the election results and declare her the winner.

According to the Electoral Commission, Katushabe won the January 2026 election by a narrow margin of 206 votes, securing 23,481 votes compared to Nanyondo’s 23,275. The court, under Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, has scheduled November 5, 2026, to deliver its ruling on the petition.

Source: Nile Post