The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Mbale is preparing for a leadership overhaul following the defection of several influential party members to rival political camps.
Internal elections have been scheduled for this Saturday to fill vacant positions and restore stability to the party’s grassroots structures.
Among the most prominent departures is former FDC Mbale City Chairperson Hajj Mansa Musa, who recently joined the National Unity Platform (NUP).
He was accompanied by other key figures, including former Mbale Municipality Mayor Mutwalibi Zandya and city councillors Yusuf Wamara Murami, Bakali Mubaje, and Robert Kuloba Kakala.
The exodus continued as youth leaders Brian Okiria (Youth Secretary) and Brian Nandira (Youth Treasurer) crossed over to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), further widening the leadership vacuum within FDC’s local ranks.
Godfrey Wasukira, the FDC General Secretary for Mbale, acknowledged the losses but expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.
“It is free entry and free exit, so we respect the decision of those who defected to other parties,” Wasukira said.
“I want to assure our members and supporters that the party remains strong and committed to serving the people of Mbale.”
He encouraged party members to participate in the upcoming internal elections, describing them as an opportunity for renewal.
“On Saturday, we are going to carry out the process of gap-filling,” he said.
Despite internal setbacks and growing competition from rival parties, FDC leaders in Mbale remain optimistic about rebuilding their base.
They are counting on the weekend’s election to stabilise local structures and lay the groundwork for a stronger presence in the 2026 general elections.