The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has commenced an early candidate identification process in preparation for the 2026 general elections. John Kikonyogo, the party spokesperson, announced the initiation of this exercise during the party’s first media briefing of the year at Najanankumbi in Kampala.
Early Candidate Identification
Kikonyogo informed the public that members interested in contesting any position on the FDC ticket can collect forms from the party’s district and national headquarters, as well as from the official website. The identification exercise, which began on January 12, 2024, will continue until February 29, 2024, nationwide. The goal is to identify potential candidates in a timely manner, minimizing confusion in positions where multiple individuals express interest.
Concerns Over EC Commissioner Appointments
During the media briefing, Kikonyogo expressed condemnation for President Yoweri Museveni’s recent appointment of former National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Members of Parliament as Electoral Commission (EC) commissioners. Robert Kasule Ssebunya, a former legislator from Nansana Municipality, and Okello, a former MP for Kyoga County, were appointed by President Museveni last week.
Kikonyogo labeled the appointments as “outrageous” and called for the removal of the former MPs to ensure a free and fair election exercise. The FDC spokesperson criticized the move, highlighting concerns about the impartiality of the Electoral Commission and its role in conducting transparent elections.