The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has revised its roadmap for the 2024–2026 electoral cycle, extending the deadline for picking expression of interest forms to May 30, 2025.
The update follows resolutions from the party’s 252nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
In a statement released after the FDC Electoral Committee’s meeting held on Friday, March 28, the party unveiled a new timeline for key electoral activities:
June 2–3: Picking of nomination forms for all local councillors and sub-county chairpersons.
June 4–5: Picking of nomination forms for Members of Parliament, LC5 chairpersons, and municipality mayors.
June 6–7: Nominations for local councillors and sub-county chairpersons.
June 9–10: Nominations for MPs, LC5 chairpersons, and municipality mayors.
June 11–24: Vetting of all candidates.
June 26 – July 5: Party primaries across all levels.
July 10–20: Validation of academic documents for MP, LC5, and mayoral aspirants.
July 10–15: Training and equipping flag bearers with campaign messages, goals, and party objectives.
Addressing journalists at Safari Hotel in Jinja, FDC Jinja District Chairperson Grace Kiirya Wanzala said the party may adopt new strategies to streamline the internal electoral process.
He stressed the importance of dialogue among aspiring candidates to minimise confusion and internal divisions that marred previous elections.
“The roadmap issued by the Electoral Commission may not accommodate all stages of our internal process. We are taking a holistic approach to ensure the party remains united and prepared to reclaim political space,” Wanzala said.
He also dismissed rumours of FDC being deregistered, citing the recently held delegates’ conference as proof of the party’s legitimacy.
On the presidential race, Wanzala confirmed that three contenders have so far expressed interest in the party’s flag: current party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, and Moses Mugisha.
The revised roadmap and consultative strategy have been welcomed by party members. Bernard Mbayo, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Jinja City South West, noted that holding internal talks before nominations would promote unity, unlike in past elections where fallout led some members to contest as independents.
“While the roadmap may not be perfect for everyone, we’re ready to adapt and respond to the political environment,” Mbayo said.
With political realignment continuing across the country, the FDC hopes that the adjusted roadmap and renewed focus on internal cohesion will strengthen its position, particularly in the eastern region.