The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is set to hold high-level reconciliation talks with Soroti City Woman MP Joan Acom Alobo and Soroti City Speaker Juliet Agonyo both of whom are vying for the FDC flag in the 2026 general elections.
This initiative, aimed at forging consensus around a single candidate to avoid internal divisions, was announced on Monday by the FDC National Electoral Commission Chairperson, Mr. Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Mr. Toterebuka confirmed that the meeting is part of a deliberate conflict-resolution plan designed to maintain party unity in the strategically important Soroti City constituency.
“The party leadership has agreed that we need to meet with Hon. Joan Alobo Acom, our current Soroti City Woman MP, and Speaker Agonyo, who has also expressed interest in the party flag,” Mr. Toterebuka said.
“We want to agree on one candidate through dialogue and consensus so that FDC remains strong and united in Teso.”
The move comes against the backdrop of concerns that a bruising primary contest between the two prominent women leaders could split the FDC vote in Soroti City East, giving an advantage to rival parties, particularly the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
FDC leaders in Teso have privately admitted that divisions in 2021, especially between FDC and former allies who ran as independents, helped the NRM win key seats in the sub-region.
Mr. Toterebuka said the party’s national leadership had learned from those setbacks and would not allow internal competition to weaken its prospects in 2026.
“We know Soroti City is critical to FDC. It’s one of our historic strongholds in Teso sub-region. We cannot allow divisions to hand an easy win to our opponents,” he said.
“This time, we shall resolve disputes amicably and in good faith.”
Mr. Toterebuka explained that the planned meeting is part of FDC’s broader approach to internal democracy, which emphasizes negotiation, vetting, and conflict resolution before contested primaries.
“Our party constitution provides for primaries but also recognizes vetting and consensus-building as legitimate approaches. Where we see risk of division, we encourage candidates to agree among themselves for the good of the party,” he noted.
He added that a formal conflict resolution team, already appointed by FDC headquarters, would facilitate the Soroti City talks, offering mediation and ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected.
Party insiders say the team is composed of senior FDC officials from both national and regional structures who command respect from the local leadership.
The showdown in Soroti City Woman MP race pits two strong FDC loyalists against each other.
Hon. Joan Acom Alobo, the incumbent MP, is known for her fiery parliamentary speeches, robust constituency mobilization, and loyalty to FDC values. She has already launched consultations with grassroots party delegates, receiving pledges of support from several ward and cell leaders.
In recent meetings in Soroti City East, delegates praised Alobo for her visibility in Parliament and her strong criticism of government excesses. Her supporters insist she is best placed to retain the seat for FDC.
But Speaker Agonyo, the Soroti City Council Speaker, is also a formidable contender.
Agonyo is widely respected in local government circles for her leadership, negotiation skills, and accessibility.
She has built a reputation as a unifier within the City Council and commands grassroots support, particularly among urban voters.
Party strategists fear that if both women proceed to a divisive primary, the loser may opt to run as an independent or withdraw support from the party’s eventual flag bearer, fracturing the FDC base in the city.
Soroti City is among the most politically competitive areas in Teso sub-region.
In the last general elections, FDC retained the Woman MP seat through Alobo but lost the Soroti City East Division MP seat after a court-ordered by-election saw the NRM reclaim it.
FDC leaders have since prioritized reconsolidating their base in the city ahead of 2026.
Party officials say the upcoming negotiations between Alobo and Agonyo are critical to that strategy.
“We must not take anything for granted. NRM will be watching closely, hoping for divisions. We must stay united,” an FDC regional mobilizer in Teso told TNN on condition of anonymity.
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