By Marvin Ashaba
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has elected former Makindye East MP Ibrahim Kasozi as its new Deputy President for the Buganda region, in a move aimed at strengthening the party’s central Uganda leadership following recent defections and internal friction.
The election took place during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
Kasozi replaces the former Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi, who previously held the regional position but recently defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) after months of strained relations within the party.
His departure followed allegations that he held unauthorized meetings with President Museveni at State House, deepening divisions within the FDC’s Buganda leadership structure.
Party officials said the leadership gap left by Nsibambi’s exit had weakened coordination in the region, which remains one of the country’s most competitive political battlegrounds.
During the internal election, a total of 22 delegates participated in the vote. Kasozi won with 11 votes, defeating former Kyadondo East MP Apollo Kantinti, who polled 7 votes, while Muyonga Richard received 1 vote.
Three ballots were declared invalid.
Following the announcement, Kantinti conceded defeat, with party officials describing the exercise as free, fair, and transparent.
The Buganda region continues to be a key political stronghold contested by the opposition Forum for Democratic Change, the National Unity Platform, and the ruling National Resistance Movement, making leadership cohesion critical for party performance.
In his acceptance speech, Kasozi pledged to unify party members and restore FDC’s visibility and influence in the region.
“I am ready to work with everyone in the party to see that FDC comes back to the political map,” Kasozi said. “We all know there might be challenges along the way, but I promise to work regardless and put FDC back to the top.”
Party leaders expressed optimism that the new regional leadership would help rebuild structures and restore confidence after a difficult electoral period.