The former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) National Youth League Treasurer Mercy Marion Alupo has announced her departure from the FDC and declared she will run on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket against the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among.
Sources within the opposition say Alupo’s defection was sparked by internal party competition after she reportedly learned that the FDC had settled on Norma Susan Otai as its official flag bearer for the Bukedea District Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections.
The development further complicates what is shaping up to be a high-stakes race in Bukedea, where Speaker Among widely seen as one of the most politically powerful figures in Uganda will seek re-election.
Alupo confirmed the decision through her social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where she shared a cryptic but bold message that appeared to signal her new direction:
“Hello my people of Bukedea, loading news… We are restoring Hope in our District.”
Her message quickly attracted reactions and debate online, with several users wishing her well while others questioned whether she could realistically unseat Among.
One user, Dr. Morgans, replied pointedly on X: “Mpozi, you said Anitah Among is unopposed.”
Such comments reflect the view held by many observers that Speaker Among remains a dominant political force in Bukedea.
But Alupo’s defection to NUP, Uganda’s leading opposition party by parliamentary numbers and the platform of Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), indicates she is betting on a stronger national opposition brand to mount a serious challenge.
Insiders in FDC say tensions had been brewing over the party’s Bukedea strategy.
In recent days, the party publicly announced that Norma Susan Otai a former Kumi Woman MP aspirant would be its standard-bearer for Bukedea District Woman MP in 2026.
That decision reportedly blindsided Alupo, who had been mobilising quietly for months and hoped to secure the FDC endorsement.
“It is not surprising that she jumped ship,” said one FDC official who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “We had to make a choice, and the party felt Otai had the better chance. But these things can cause fallout.”
Party leaders have yet to issue an official statement on Alupo’s defection.
However, some FDC activists online accused her of “betraying the struggle” and claimed she was “splitting the opposition vote.”
Meanwhile, National Unity Platform insiders welcomed Alupo’s move.
While there was no formal announcement from NUP headquarters at Makerere Kavule by press time, local coordinators in Bukedea confirmed they were ready to receive her and begin preparations for her campaign.
“We have been waiting for a strong candidate. With her youth support and her profile, we think she can shake things up,” said one NUP district mobilizer who preferred anonymity.
Alupo’s previous role as FDC National Youth League Treasurer is expected to help her tap into the youth vote, a demographic that has been NUP’s strongest base nationally.
The emergence of both Otai for FDC and Alupo for NUP sets the stage for an unprecedented multi-party contest against Speaker Among.
Bukedea District politics have in the past been dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and by Among’s personal influence.
In 2021, she won re-election handily after securing the NRM party ticket and consolidating support through local development initiatives and party mobilisation.
Some local analysts say Among will remain the clear frontrunner, given her national stature and extensive patronage networks.
But others argue that multiple opposition parties fielding candidates could either split the anti-Among vote or energise new voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
“It’s risky for the opposition,” said Moses Obore, a political analyst based in Teso. “But it also shows that Bukedea is no longer seen as a walkover. If these opposition forces can unite tactically, they can make it a real contest.”
Social media reactions mirrored the high emotions the development has triggered.
While many NUP supporters applauded Alupo’s courage and called on the party to back her fully, FDC loyalists accused her of selfishness and weakening the broader opposition mission.
“This is what Museveni wants,” one user posted on X. “Divide and rule. Instead of uniting behind one opposition candidate, you’re fighting each other.”
Others were more optimistic:“Competition is good. Let the people of Bukedea choose. We are tired of coronations,” said another.
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