FDC set to unveil new party leader this week

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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s second-largest opposition party, is preparing to announce its new party president on July 31, 2025.

Party spokesperson John Kikonyogo told journalists at the party’s weekly press briefing at the party's headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Monday (July 28 2025), that the National Delegates Conference (NDC) will take place at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi.

Two candidates are competing for the party’s top position, including the current president, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, and the party’s secretary general, Nathan Nandala Mafabi.

Both candidates have been travelling across the country seeking support from party delegates since April 11 this year.

FDC leaders (L-R) Richard Muyombya, Okwera Mugisha and Kassim Kyazze interacting after addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Najjanakumbi, Kampala on July 28, 2025. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Kikonyogo said the party elders have been urging peaceful and respectful campaigns to avoid post-election conflicts, which have occurred in the past.

He noted that a recent meeting on July 12 in Mbale, which included elders and religious leaders from Teso and Bugisu, aimed to persuade the two candidates to agree on a single candidate to avoid dividing the party, but ended fruitlessly.

Kikonyogo stressed that FDC has had past issues where elections caused internal fights and even breakaways.

He emphasised that the elders saw it as wise to ensure unity before and after the delegates' conference.

They noted that unless the two candidates agree on a single candidate, delegates will have to elect their preferred leader.