The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the Teso sub-region is facing a deepening crisis after some of its top regional leaders threatened to quit the party in protest against the suspension of party primary elections.
According to the sources with FDC circles in Teso, the crisis is deepening and threatens to cause spilt in Teso with several members now threatening to join Mathias Mpuuga’s Democratic Alliance, People’s Front for Freedom or find solace in National Unity Platform Party.
The suspension of FDC’s primary elections in Teso has sparked outrage among grassroots members and aspirants, who accuse the party’s top leadership of deliberately frustrating democratic processes.
The party’s National electoral Commission recently suspended primaries in several constituencies in Teso, citing unresolved disputes and alleged irregularities in the voter register.
However, several aspirants believe the decision is politically motivated and aimed at shielding certain incumbents while sidelining new, energetic candidates seeking to challenge them.
“Suspending the primaries is unacceptable. This is an insult to our supporters who have waited patiently to choose their flag bearers. We cannot be held hostage by a few individuals who want to impose candidates on us,” said one of the aspirants.
Top FDC leaders in Teso, including district chairpersons and constituency coordinators, have now threatened mass resignations if the party leadership fails to immediately reinstate the primaries.
“We will not sit back and watch FDC disintegrate in Teso because of selfish decisions from Kampala,” warned Stella Akol, FDC supporter from Mukongoro Town Council in Kumi District. “If our concerns are ignored, we shall have no option but to leave and join forces with parties that respect internal democracy.”
The crisis comes amid reports that Peter Carlos Ebiau, a vocal former FDC stalwart, who has officially joined Mathias Mpuuga’s newly-formed Democratic Alliance (DA) as part of his strategy to challenge and unseat his uncle, Hon. Elijah Okupa, the incumbent Kasilo County MP.
Peter Carlos Ebiau, a prominent political figure in Serere District and nephew to veteran opposition MP Elijah Okupa defected early last week from FDC to Mpuuga’s Democratic Alliance (DA) after failing to get the FDC flag.
Ebiau’s defection is being viewed as a major blow to FDC, especially as he intensifies his campaign to unseat Okupa, who has represented Kasilo County for over a decade.
Political observers say Ebiau’s move could split opposition votes in the constituency, potentially weakening FDC further in the region.
The Democratic Alliance, spearheaded by former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga, has been quietly making inroads in Eastern Uganda.
Ebiau’s entry marks the Alliance’s first major political coup in Teso, signaling its intent to capitalize on growing dissatisfaction within FDC.
“Mpuuga’s DA is positioning itself as the new home for disillusioned opposition leaders,” said Paul Otim, a political analyst based in Soroti. “With FDC embroiled in endless wrangles and internal mistrust, DA is presenting itself as a credible alternative.”
Ebiau’s camp has already begun mobilizing at the grassroots, promising “clean politics” and a “break from family dynasties,” a veiled reference to Okupa’s two-decade dominance of Kasilo County politics.
In response to the growing dissent, FDC Electoral Commission boss Mr Boniface Toterebuka in a recent interview, downplayed the crisis, insisting that the suspension of primaries is temporary and aimed at resolving internal disputes.
“We want free and fair primaries. That is why we took time to clean up the registers and address complaints,” he said while suspending the elections. “
However, insiders argue that the leadership’s reassurances have done little to quell frustration in Teso, where members feel increasingly sidelined in national decision-making.
With less than two months to nominations for the 2026 elections, the FDC risks losing its foothold in Teso if the crisis deepens.
Analysts warn that the ongoing defections and internal wrangles could pave the way for both NRM and emerging outfits like the Democratic Alliance to dominate the political landscape.
“The stakes are high,” said Otim. “If FDC fails to resolve this impasse quickly, we may see an exodus of its leaders and a collapse of its structures in Teso.”
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