FDC unveils roadmap for presidential flag-bearer

________________

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party says it is at the third stage of its internal election roadmap to select its presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2026 general election.

FDC chief electoral commissioner Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda says party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat and secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who were successfully nominated for the position, will be vetted.

The vetting stage, he added will begin with a physical meeting between the party's electoral commission and the two candidates (where the final flag-bearer will be elected) on May 13, 2025.

"The aim of this is to build consensus and evaluate each aspirant’s suitability based on character, vision, loyalty, legal qualifications and popularity," he elaborated.

Bamwenda made the remarks during the FDC weekly media weekly briefing at Najjanankumbi, Kampala city on May 12, 2025.

According to him, no candidate can withdraw after nomination, and any withdrawal is symbolic since names remain on the ballot, underlining party loyalty and discipline as key qualities for flag bearers.

"The party is committed to conducting a transparent and fair process, and only those who meet the set criteria will proceed to the next stage," the chief noted.

Interest groups

Besides the presidential flag bearer, the FDC is also vetting candidates vying for special interest group positions, including the youth, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who play a critical role in shaping party policy and outreach at the grassroots level.

Nomination forms are to be picked between May 12 and 13, and nominations will be conducted on May 15–16 at district level.

The Commission reiterated that no fees are charged for councillor aspirants and encouraged members to adhere to deadlines.

"The deadline for expression of interest for MPs, mayors, councillors (excluding SIGs) is May 30, with nominations scheduled for June  9–10, 2025,’’ Bamwenda said.

The party is also looking to fill the position of Member of Parliament representing FDC, as well as other top leadership roles within the National Executive Committee.

Accordingly, the vetting and eventual elections are expected to culminate in a national delegates’ conference, where the final line-up of FDC leaders will be unveiled and all positions will be handled with equal scrutiny to ensure the party puts forward credible and committed individuals.