The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), based at Najjanankumbi, Kampala, has announced its early quest for candidates to represent the party in the 2026 elections. In a statement released on December 30, 2023, the FDC invites interested individuals to express their intent from January 12 to March 5.
The National Council, in a meeting on December 15, 2023, decided to proactively identify potential candidates for all elective positions in preparation for the upcoming 2026 general elections. The party emphasizes the importance of starting this process early to avoid last-minute challenges.
According to Mr. Boniface Toterebuka, the chairman of the party’s electoral commission, individuals interested in running for positions can obtain expression of interest forms at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi and all party offices nationwide. This step aims to streamline the identification of potential candidates well in advance.
Mr. Toterebuka clarified that after the expression of interest phase, the party will conduct primaries on a later date to select its flag bearers for various positions, including members of parliament, mayors, district chairpersons, and the presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, the FDC Katonga faction is gearing up for the National Delegates conference scheduled for March 15. Despite the factional differences, individuals from the Katonga faction also have the opportunity to express their interest in contesting for FDC’s flag in the general elections.
In response to this, Mr. Harold Kaija, the interim secretary-general of the FDC Katonga faction, emphasized the distinctions between the factions’ goals, stating, “We are not in the same boat… their destiny is different from ours. It doesn’t really bother us; they are looking for [President] Museveni’s candidates.”
It’s worth noting that the FDC experienced a split last year, with senior party officials accusing President Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary-General Nathan Nandala Mafabi of receiving substantial sums from State House to destabilize the party—an allegation both have denied.
