The suspension of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party primaries in Teso sub-region has stirred unease and heightened political tension among aspirants and their supporters.
Soroti City Council Speaker and Woman MP aspirant Juliet Agonyo has broken her silence, asserting her determination to remain in the race and calling for transparency from the party leadership.
The primaries, which were expected to take place across Soroti, Kumi, Ngora, Serere, and Amuria districts, were abruptly halted following a July 11th directive from FDC headquarters.
This sudden move, reportedly aimed at paving the way for loyal incumbents to retain their seats unchallenged, has fueled anxiety among aspirants and provoked speculation of internal favoritism within the party.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty, Agonyo has reiterated her readiness for a fair contest and her unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
“I am not shaken but stable in my position,” Agonyo declared during a press engagement in Soroti City.
“I believe in paperwork, not rumors and allegations. Let the party president or secretary general communicate officially. Until then, I remain ready for primaries.”
She stressed that the letter issued by FDC’s electoral commission on July 11th merely announced the suspension of primaries and did not endorse any specific candidates.
“We were called to a meeting intended to clarify election procedures. However, the announcement of the suspension came unexpectedly the night before the meeting,” she revealed.
According to Agonyo, the abrupt timing of the announcement caught many aspirants off guard.
“They apologized and urged us to remain calm, which we are doing, but some individuals have since been peddling propaganda, which I strongly condemn,” she said.
Addressing the swirling rumors about her alleged ties with Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, Agonyo categorically denied claims that she is being sponsored to destabilize FDC or oust Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo.
“I want to categorically dismiss allegations circulating on social media and in public that I am being funded by Speaker Anita to disrupt FDC,” she emphasized.
“That is completely false. If people are contesting, let them compete fairly and let voters decide. I am not part of anyone’s conflict.”
She described the rumors as politically motivated attempts to malign her integrity and undermine her credibility as an aspirant.
Agonyo emphasized that her bid for the Soroti City Woman MP seat is motivated by a passion for service delivery and a commitment to address the pressing needs of the electorate, not personal vendettas or external influence.
“I didn’t show interest because someone wasn’t there,” she explained.
“I did it because I believe I can offer better opportunities for Soroti residents. Leadership is about representing people and ensuring taxpayers benefit. Leadership is by God’s grace, what’s not yours will never be yours.”
She outlined her agenda to prioritize education, health services, and youth empowerment, pledging to champion policies that directly improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Her message has resonated with many locals who see her as a fresh and determined voice within FDC.
Even as tensions rise, Agonyo remains hopeful that FDC leadership will ultimately uphold its long-standing values of internal democracy and free competition.
She urged her supporters to remain calm and patient as they await official communication from Najjanankumbi.
“I believe in the FDC I know, one that values democracy, respects the people’s rights, and upholds freedom of choice,” Agonyo said.
“I remain optimistic and expect positive results unless it’s a different FDC than the one I’ve known.”
Her remarks highlight a growing divide within the party, as many aspirants insist on fair primaries while reports suggest that top leaders are considering ring-fencing positions for incumbents as a strategy to consolidate loyalty ahead of the 2026 elections.
The suspension has generated mixed reactions among FDC supporters in Teso.
While some argue that bypassing primaries could help avoid costly internal wrangles, others believe it risks alienating aspirants and weakening the party’s democratic credentials.
A youth mobilizer in Soroti, speaking on condition of anonymity, voiced his concerns: “We are worried that if candidates are handpicked, it will demoralize the grassroots. People want to vote for their leaders, not be told who to support.”
About Author
