Soroti City politics has taken a dramatic twist after prominent lawyer and long-time Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) mobilizer, Mr. Edmond Elasu, announced that he will contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 Soroti City mayoral race.
The announcement comes barely a week after the FDC Electoral Commission, led by Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, declared Hon. Omer Paul as the party’s official flag bearer for the mayoral seat, following a vetting process held in early August.
Speaking to TNN in Soroti City on Thursday, Elasu said the decision to contest independently was not driven by personal ambition but by the “voice of the people” who felt betrayed by the FDC’s “handpicking culture.”
“The people of Soroti deserve a transparent process, not backroom deals. I offered myself to the party, I was vetted, and I waited in good faith. But instead of letting the voters decide through primaries, the Commission chose to handpick a candidate. This undermines internal democracy,” Elasu said.
He added that while he respects Omer Paul, he could not sit back and watch the hopes of many Soroti residents sidelined.
“I am not fighting the party. I am fighting for fairness, accountability, and genuine service delivery. My independent bid is to give the people of Soroti a true choice,” he declared.
The FDC Electoral Commission had earlier justified Omer Paul’s endorsement, citing his long-standing mobilization record and ability to unify the city under the FDC banner.
In the same announcement, the Commission reassigned Elasu to a regional legal advisory role, placing him in charge of commissioning and legal affairs for FDC structures in Teso.
Party insiders described the move as a balancing act meant to keep Elasu within the party framework while rewarding Omer for his loyalty and grassroots strength.
But Elasu has now rejected that compromise.
“I appreciate the trust in appointing me as regional legal officer, but Soroti needs a leader who can transform the city. My calling is not just in legal service but in political leadership,” he stated.
Elasu’s declaration has split opinion in Soroti’s political circles.
His supporters, many of them youth and professionals, welcomed the move, chanting slogans of “Elasu for Mayor” and promising to rally resources behind him.
Sarah Akullo, a market vendor at Soroti Central Market, said: “We know Elasu as a man of integrity who has stood with ordinary people. If FDC refuses to give us democracy, then we shall give him our votes as an independent.”
On the other hand, some FDC loyalists expressed disappointment, warning that Elasu’s decision could divide the opposition vote and hand an easy win to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate.
One party mobilizer, who asked not to be named, remarked: “We respect Elasu, but going independent is dangerous. FDC had a chance to take Soroti City Mayor easily with Omer Paul. If we split, we may end up losing everything.”
With Elasu now officially in the race as an independent, the Soroti City mayoral contest is expected to become one of the most competitive in eastern Uganda.
Analysts predict a three-horse race between Hon. Omer Paul (FDC), Mr. Edmond Elasu (Independent), and the NRM candidate Esudu Samson.
Political analyst Andrew Otim observed: “Elasu’s independent bid is a direct response to the growing mistrust in FDC’s internal processes. This could either energize the electorate by offering alternatives or weaken the opposition by splitting votes. Much will depend on how each candidate organizes on the ground.”
Elasu has promised to officially launch his campaign in September, unveiling a manifesto centered on service delivery, urban infrastructure, and youth employment.
Meanwhile, FDC officials have downplayed the impact of his defection, insisting that Omer remains the strongest candidate and that party structures will rally behind him.
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