A leaked open letter addressed to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA), has ignited a political firestorm in the Teso sub-region, exposing deep cracks and widespread discontent within the party’s grassroots structures.
The missive, penned by anonymous yet “concerned party members,” accuses top party leaders of accepting dirty money to front weak candidates in a ploy allegedly designed to hand electoral victory to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 general elections.
The explosive document, now circulating on social media and among political circles in Teso, paints a grim picture of internal sabotage, favoritism, and what it calls “a betrayal of the party’s founding democratic principles.”
The authors allege that some leaders at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi have been influenced by bribes and personal connections to bypass internal democracy in favor of handpicking candidates, particularly in Soroti City and other key districts in the Teso region.
In their open letter, the disgruntled members question why the party is deviating from its core value of bottom-up democratic processes.
“Since when did democracy take a top-to-bottom direction?” the letter reads. “Why should a few individuals in Kampala determine who leads the people of Soroti City or Katakwi? Are we that dumb?”
They accuse the party’s electoral processes of becoming opaque and hijacked by a handful of elites, with Soroti emerging as the epicenter of what they call “political manipulation.”
The letter warns that continuing along this path could disillusion longtime FDC loyalists and hand NRM a political advantage it does not deserve.
“The mountain before us is the 2026 General Election, and the question is, how are we preparing to climb it?” the letter reads in part. “Members are beginning to fear that the hopes they held for a democratic FDC are short-lived.”
The explosive allegations come at a time when the FDC is struggling to consolidate support in Eastern Uganda, where it has historically enjoyed some grassroots momentum, especially in urban constituencies.
However, insiders say internal wrangles, suspicion, and now open accusations of corruption are threatening to tear the party apart ahead of nomination deadlines.
“The people of Teso are not blind. They see what is happening,” said one FDC supporter in Kumi, speaking on condition of anonymity. “How do you explain a scenario where popular, credible candidates are rejected and individuals with no record of service or mass support are handed the party ticket? Someone is clearly selling the party from within.”
According to sources privy to the alleged plot, several loyal and seasoned FDC aspirants were deliberately denied access to nomination forms or were frustrated during the internal vetting processes.
In contrast, little-known or politically inexperienced candidates, allegedly aligned with powerful figures within the NRM, were ushered through unopposed.
The leaked allegations have sparked outrage among grassroots members, with many warning that the FDC risks collapse in Teso if urgent action is not taken.
“We joined FDC because it stood for transparency, integrity, and the rule of law. What is happening now is heartbreaking,” lamented Sarah Alupo, an FDC Supporter in Ngora. “If these reports are true, then our so-called leaders have become agents of the very regime we seek to replace.”
Efforts to get an official comment from FDC Secretary General Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi nor it’s Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi were unsuccessful by press time, but regional party leaders who spoke on condition of anonymity since they are among those alleged to have the hand in the right have distanced themselves from the alleged scheme.
“This must be the work of saboteurs trying to divide our ranks. We call for calm and request anyone with credible evidence to present it to the National Executive Committee for investigation.”
However, critics argue that silence or denial will only deepen the crisis.
“This is not a time for vague denials,” warned political analyst Paul Edeket. “The FDC leadership must act swiftly, transparently, and decisively. Otherwise, they risk losing credibility not only in Teso but across Uganda.”
He suggest that the ruling NRM is the biggest beneficiary of the turmoil in FDC. With its already well-oiled campaign machinery and deep pockets, the NRM is poised to sweep constituencies where opposition candidates appear weak, divided, or imposed.
“There’s a method to this madness. If you see NRM-aligned businessmen suddenly appearing at FDC meetings or holding secret dinners with FDC officials, you know something is wrong.”
Reports also indicate that similar complaints have emerged from other regions like Bugisu and Sebei, where grassroots opposition structures accuse their leaders of complicity with government operatives.
With the 2026 elections fast approaching, the scandal could not have come at a worse time for the FDC. Whether the FDC can salvage its standing in Teso will depend largely on its ability to demonstrate accountability, rebuild trust among grassroots supporters, and field candidates who reflect the aspirations of the people, not the interests of invisible hands behind closed doors.
More updates to follow.
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