By URN
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members from Pader and Agago districts have called on the party’s aspiring presidential candidates to reach a consensus and front a single flag bearer for the 2026 general elections. The appeal was made during a delegates’ conference held in Lokole Town Council, Agago District, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Supporters and local leaders voiced concern that internal competition between former party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat and current Secretary General Nandala Mafabi could divide the party and deplete its limited resources.
Florence Ayoo, Chairperson of the FDC Women’s League in Agago, emphasized the need to prioritize party unity and grassroots resource mobilization over leadership contests. She noted that many FDC supporters were defecting to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) due to inadequate support from the party.
“We need to channel our energy into strengthening the party and mobilizing resources—not fighting each other for leadership,” Ayoo said. “Our people are defecting to other parties not because they want to, but because they lack support.”
Ayoo also criticized the NRM government, saying communities in Agago continue to suffer under its leadership, particularly due to insecurity caused by Karimojong cattle raids. She urged party members to overcome fear and reclaim their political space.
Deacon Olweny Okello, a party delegate from Ajan Sub-county in Pader District, echoed the call for a unified front. He questioned whether FDC would hold primaries and when they would take place. Okello proposed that the two presidential aspirants negotiate to allow one candidate to run unopposed, avoiding a costly and divisive campaign.
Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu, the Soroti West Member of Parliament, assured members that the party leadership had committed to funding internal elections, from presidential candidates down to village-level structures. He pledged that FDC would present strong challenges to the NRM, particularly through youth mobilization, and revealed that intensive efforts would begin in the northern region, starting with Agago.
“We have two presidential aspirants, and the party will support the process of choosing the flag bearer,” Ebwalu said. “But our greater focus is to ensure FDC has candidates at every level. We’ve already filled all positions in West Nile.”
He also condemned alleged state interference in party activities, citing a recent incident in Kitgum District where police reportedly attempted to block a delegates’ meeting. Despite that, he said, the party pushed forward. Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, acting FDC party president and deputy president for Northern Uganda, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the party’s commitment to grassroots democracy.
He disclosed that some members attempting to obtain party flags directly from the secretariat were advised to seek endorsement from their constituencies instead. Regarding the proposal for a single presidential candidate, Fungaroo said the matter would be forwarded to the party’s top leadership at Najjanankumbi for formal consideration. “Our strength is at the grassroots. Any decision about our leadership must reflect the will of the people,” Fungaroo said.
