The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has finally lifted the lid on its long-awaited vetting results for aspirants in Teso sub-region, leaving some political hopefuls jubilant while dashing the ambitions of others who had set their eyes on party tickets.
In a detailed statement released on August 21, 2025, by FDC Electoral Commission Chairperson, Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, the party announced a list of confirmed flag bearers for the forthcoming 2026–2031 general elections.
The declaration followed weeks of field visits, consultations, hearings, and petition reviews across Teso, Elgon, and Busoga regions.
According to the Commission, the vetting process was aimed at ensuring fairness, discipline, and credibility within the party’s internal democratic framework.
The process, however, left several aspirants disappointed as their political ambitions were cut short, with the party selecting stronger candidates deemed to have higher chances of winning.
The Electoral Commission embarked on its regional outreach earlier this month, making stopovers in Serere, Soroti City, Soroti District, and Ngora.
Candidates were invited to present their credentials, defend their loyalty to the party, and explain their vision for the constituencies they intended to represent.
In some cases, the hearings were stormy, with complaints raised about favoritism, absenteeism, and lack of commitment.
In others, the sessions were straightforward, with candidates bowing out gracefully in recognition of stronger rivals.
Chairman Toterebuka Bamwenda, while releasing the list, said: “This exercise is about building a strong, united, and credible FDC team that can deliver victory in 2026. We know not everyone is happy with the outcomes, but the decisions are based on merit, grassroots reports, and candidate viability.”
In Serere County, the contest between Hon. Ochola Stephen and Mr. Eratu Emmanuel was left unresolved.
The Commission stated that both candidates must appear before the party headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, for final arbitration.
This decision has left supporters in Serere restless, with both camps claiming victory.
Sources indicate that while Hon. Ochola enjoys historical loyalty to the party, Eratu has built momentum among the youth and professionals.
The final verdict is expected to either solidify unity or deepen internal wrangles in Serere FDC structures.
One of the most hotly contested seats was the Soroti City Mayor position, where Hon. Omer Paul, Mr. Ekojoi George, and Mr. Elasu Edmond were vetted.
After deliberation, the Commission resolved that Hon. Omer Paul would be the official FDC flag bearer.
The decision was welcomed by sections of Soroti City residents who see Omer as a seasoned mobilizer with proven grassroots networks.
However, in a balancing act, the Commission assigned Mr. Elasu Edmond a significant responsibility as the party’s regional legal officer, tasked with handling all commissioning and legal matters in Teso.
This move was interpreted as an attempt to placate factions that had rallied behind Elasu.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ekojoi was encouraged to continue serving the party at the council level.
The vetting of Hon. Alobo Joan and Hon. Agonyo Juliet hit a snag when Hon. Alobo failed to appear before the Commission during its August 9 sitting in Soroti.
In the spirit of fairness, both candidates have been summoned to Kampala on August 27, 2025, for a final hearing.
The Commission emphasized that attendance was mandatory to ensure the process is transparent and binding.
The contest between Alobo and Agonyo is expected to be one of the fiercest intra-party battles in Teso, as both women command strong grassroots structures and hold considerable influence among the youth and women’s groups in the city.
In another unresolved case, Hon. Ebwalu Jonathan, the incumbent MP, did not appear for vetting, while his challenger, Mr. Enoku Patrick, presented himself.
The Commission has therefore summoned both men to appear in Kampala on August 27.
The outcome will determine whether Ebwalu secures a second term under FDC or whether Enoku will take the mantle as flag bearer.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has instructed the Soroti City electoral supervisor to organize primary elections for city councilors, division mayors, and division councilors on August 23–24, 2025.
In Gweri County, four candidates, Mr. Opolot Abel, Hon. Ekudo Tom Julius, Mr. Asubu David, and Mr. Odela Jacob, were vetted.
After deliberations, the Commission resolved that Hon. Ekudo Tom Julius would be the FDC flag bearer for the 2026–31 elections.
Ekudo’s victory has been attributed to his strong grassroots mobilization and his consistent loyalty to FDC structures.
The district supervisor has also been tasked with conducting primaries for sub-county chairpersons, district councilors, and sub-county councilors on August 23–24, 2025.
Ngora’s vetting produced clearer results compared to Soroti.
For the LCV Chairman seat, the Commission handed the flag to Mr. Okurut Samuel, defeating his rival, Mr. Opio Joseph.
Samuel’s nomination was seen as a strategic choice, given his deep roots in local governance and his image as a consensus builder.
In Kapir County, the contest between Okurut David Livingstone and Mr. Ben Ochan ended with Livingstone being declared the official flag bearer.
According to insiders, Livingstone’s edge came from his strong fundraising ability and long service within FDC.
The announcement has dramatically reshaped the political terrain in Teso.
For those who secured party tickets, the next step is to consolidate grassroots support and prepare for the NRM juggernaut in 2026.
But for those left out, the options remain slim: either swallow the disappointment and work under the new flag bearers, or risk breaking ranks and running as independents, a path that has historically split the opposition vote in Teso.
Some aspirants, such as those in Soroti City, have already hinted at possible petitions against the Commission’s decisions, alleging bias. Party insiders, however, insist the process was free and fair.
Chairman Toterebuka, in his closing remarks, appealed for calm: “We know that politics comes with emotions. But let us put the party first. This exercise is not about individuals; it is about preparing FDC to take power and serve Ugandans better.”
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