The FDC nomination exercise officially kicked off yesterday as hundreds of hopefuls gathered at Forum for Democratic Change offices across Uganda. They aimed to secure nominations for Members of Parliament (MPs), LC5 district chairpersons, and city or municipal mayors.
To support party activities, the FDC set nomination fees at Shs100,000 for MPs, Shs50,000 for district chairpersons, and Shs20,000 for mayors and LC3 chairpersons.
In Soroti, Daniel Eigu, who is contesting the Soroti County MP seat, confirmed that he had paid the required fee. He expressed his commitment to promoting party development at grassroots level. Meanwhile, by 2 p.m., Muzaid Khemis, the current Arua Central Division mayor, had become the only candidate to collect nomination forms for the MP slot there.
Khemis, known for his time as Oli Division’s LC3 chairperson, stated he feels confident because of his prior leadership experience.
Moreover, Denis Edema, the FDC publicity head in West Nile, described the turnout as promising. “Aspirants are steadily collecting forms. We’re tracking their participation closely,” he noted.
National returning officer Hajj Hakim Moli explained that in some regions, FDC encourages candidates to build consensus and avoid costly internal contests. “If they agree among themselves, we register them accordingly,” he said. “Some are even running unopposed.”
In Rukiga District, party chairperson Michael Mbareba revealed that only three people have expressed interest in councillor roles. He remains the sole candidate for LC5 chairperson.
Nearby in Kabale, district chairperson Jessy Aine explained that he had contacted party headquarters for help because the district lacks a functioning coordination office.
In Kisoro, district chairperson Juliet Musanase shared that most candidates are unopposed, so primaries may not be required. She is still considering a bid for the Woman MP seat. Other members have already declared interest in district councillor and Bukimbiri County positions.
In Soroti City, key figures picked nomination forms. These included Paul Omer (mayor), Moses Onyait (Soroti East Division), Isaac Asaku, incumbent Patrick Emaru (Soroti West Division), and former MP Moses Attan, who plans to return to Parliament representing Soroti City East.
Joyce Mary Akello, the FDC’s Soroti electoral commission chairperson, reported two nominations for Gweri County MP and one for Dakabela County. She also noted that 223 people had submitted nominations for parish-level councillor positions, along with 15 for LC3 chairperson. Additionally, 325 village-level LC1 candidates registered across Soroti’s 377 villages.
David Asubu, aspiring to represent Gweri County, promised to promote transparent governance if elected.
In Kampala, Jinja South East MP Musa Kabugo picked up nomination forms and confirmed his payment of Shs100,000. “I’ve met all requirements. I’ll return the completed form in a few days,” he said. Meanwhile, Mbale City’s deputy mayor Harriet Kakai collected her forms and announced plans to run for Woman MP.
In Kasese, interest remained high. Aspirants gathered at the FDC office on Alexander Street to collect nomination forms. By midday, more than half of the applicants had already been processed.
Five candidates submitted their papers for Bukonzo East, including Misairi Kahungu Thembo, Zeno Muhindo, Erican Baluku Ndyooka, John Muhindo Kigere, and Selevest Masereka. Woman MP Florence Kabugho and Ritah Biira also completed the nomination process.
Harold Tony Muhindo, the incumbent MP for Bukonzo East, recently joined the newly formed People’s Front for Freedom, a splinter group that broke away from the FDC.
As the FDC nomination exercise enters its final day, the party is gearing up for national primaries next month. Where multiple candidates exist, voters will decide the party’s flagbearers. However, where consensus emerges, the party accepts a single nomination to streamline operations and save on costs.
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