The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has been thrown into fresh turmoil after the party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, abruptly withdrew the list of flag bearers that had been announced yesterday for constituencies in Teso, Bugisu, and Busoga.
In a dramatic turn of events, Toterebuka issued a communication dated August 22, 2025, recalling the earlier report released on August 21, citing “errors” and the emergence of new evidence that required urgent review.
The reversal has unsettled party members and aspirants in eastern Uganda, many of whom had already begun celebrating victories or reconciling with losses following the earlier announcement.
In Teso sub-region, the Electoral Commission had confirmed Hon. Omer Paul as the FDC flag bearer for Soroti City Mayor, Hon. Ekudo Tom Julius for Gweri County, David Livingstone Okurut for Kapir County and Mr. Okurut Samuel for LCV Chairperson Ngora District, among others.
Similar declarations had been made for Bugisu and Busoga regions after field vetting exercises.
But with Toterebuka’s latest statement, all those declarations now hang in the balance.
“Following the EC field report that was released on 21st August 2025 in relation to the internal electoral processes in your district, it has been noticed that there were some errors. We have also received new evidence related to our field visit which needs to be reviewed urgently. This is therefore to inform you that the earlier report has been recalled for scrutiny and a new report will be shared in due course,” the statement reads in part.
The letter further suspends all activities that had been recommended in the earlier communication, including primary elections for councilors, division mayors, and district leaders.
The sudden withdrawal has sparked confusion, frustration, and speculation among aspirants and their supporters.
Some had already launched early campaigns, printing posters and mobilizing grassroots teams based on the assumption that their nominations were final.
In Soroti City, supporters of Hon. Omer Paul were left puzzled.
Omer, who had just been confirmed as the flag bearer for mayoral race, was expected to roll out his campaign.
His rival, Mr. Elasu Edmond, who had been assigned legal responsibilities in the region, is also now uncertain about his official role.
Similarly, in Ngora, Mr. Okurut Samuel, who had celebrated his endorsement as LCV flag bearer, now faces the possibility of a reversal should the new evidence favor his rival, Mr. Opio Joseph.
In Bugisu, where the vetting process had also raised tensions among competing factions, the news of the withdrawal is expected to fuel even more mistrust and accusations of manipulation.
Some FDC members have welcomed the move, saying it reflects transparency and a willingness to correct mistakes.
Others, however, view it as a sign of disorganization within the party.
An aspirant who preferred anonymity told this reporter: “I am enjoying the confusion but the day I will burst.”
Another candidate from Busoga argued that while the correction was necessary, it should have been done discreetly to avoid public embarrassment:
“This open withdrawal is damaging the party’s image. Our rivals in NRM and NUP are now mocking us, saying FDC cannot even manage its own primaries.”
In his statement, Toterebuka apologized for the inconvenience caused and urged party members to remain patient as the Commission re-examines the evidence.
“I advise that meanwhile all the activities that had been recommended are suspended with immediate effect. We apologize for the inconveniences that this may have caused,” he noted.
The Commission is expected to convene in Kampala early next week to review the contested reports before issuing a revised list of flag bearers.
The confusion comes at a sensitive time for FDC, which is struggling to regain its footing in the eastern region ahead of the 2026 general elections.
For years, Teso, Bugisu, and Busoga were strongholds for the party, but internal wrangles and defections have eroded its dominance.
Analysts say the latest blunder could further weaken the party’s ability to mobilize, especially if disgruntled aspirants choose to run as independents.
Political commentator Martin Okello observed that: “This shows serious gaps in FDC’s organizational machinery. Candidates need clarity and certainty to prepare for campaigns. If the party cannot settle its own flag bearers decisively, it risks sending mixed signals to voters and weakening its bargaining power.”
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