The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) officially launched its nomination exercise on Monday, opening the door for candidates seeking to represent the party in next year’s general elections. At the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, a steady stream of aspirants arrived as early as 10:00 a.m., marking the beginning of what promises to be a competitive selection process across all levels of government.

The nominations cover parliamentary seats, district chairperson positions, LC3 chairperson roles, and councillor slots. FDC’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Tuterebuka Bamwenda, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, saying it proves the party remains strong despite recent challenges. “The high competition for our flag contradicts what our detractors have been saying about us,” Bamwenda told journalists during a press briefing.

Each aspirant underwent thorough vetting before being cleared to run. Party officials checked nomination fee payments, verified academic documents, and confirmed membership status. “We’re leaving nothing to chance. Every candidate must prove they qualify for the positions they seek,” Bamwenda emphasized. The strict vetting process aims to ensure only credible candidates carry the FDC flag into the elections.

Among the first batch of nominees was Ibrahim Kasozi Birabwa, who received official clearance to contest for Kampala Lord Mayor. Other notable nominations included Mugisha Moses Okwera for Nakawa East MP, Musoke Emanuel for Kawempe Mayor, and Bukenya Alex for Rubaga South MP. The newly nominated candidates pledged to uphold FDC values and prioritize service delivery if elected.

The nomination exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the country, with regional offices handling applications from their respective districts. This decentralized approach demonstrates FDC’s commitment to grassroots participation in its democratic processes. Observers note the system allows wider access for potential candidates compared to centralized nomination systems used by some parties.

However, the nomination launch wasn’t without controversy. Bamwenda raised serious concerns about the ongoing Special Interest Group (SIG) elections organized by the national Electoral Commission. He accused the commission of lacking transparency, particularly regarding the voter register. “How can we trust these elections when we haven’t seen the register? They could be using ghost voters to favor the NRM,” Bamwenda alleged.

The FDC official’s comments reflect growing opposition frustration with electoral processes ahead of the general elections. Many opposition parties have repeatedly complained about uneven playing fields during previous elections. Bamwenda’s statements suggest these concerns remain unresolved as the country moves toward another election cycle.

As nominations continue this week, political analysts will be watching several key developments. First, the number and quality of candidates seeking FDC tickets will indicate the party’s strength after recent internal divisions. Second, the nomination process itself serves as a test of FDC’s organizational capacity ahead of more complex electoral exercises.

Party supporters gathered at the nomination centers expressed optimism about FDC’s chances in the coming elections. “This shows our party is still strong at the grassroots,” said one supporter at the Najjanankumbi headquarters. “People still believe in our message of change.”

The FDC nominations come at a critical time for Uganda’s opposition politics. With other major parties also preparing for elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly active. The coming weeks will reveal whether FDC can maintain its position as a leading opposition force or whether new political formations will change the dynamics.

For now, the focus remains on the nomination exercise, which party leaders describe as the first step in their electoral journey. As more candidates receive clearance, FDC hopes to present a strong team capable of challenging the ruling NRM across the country. The success of this endeavor may well determine the opposition’s fortunes in what promises to be a fiercely contested election season.

With nomination fees paid, documents verified, and flags soon to be awarded, FDC aspirants now turn their attention to convincing party delegates and voters that they represent the best hope for their constituencies. As one nominee put it, “The real work begins today – first to win the party’s confidence, then the people’s trust.”

The nomination process continues through the week, after which FDC will shift focus to preparing its candidates for the campaigns ahead. How this preparation goes may determine whether the party can convert this initial enthusiasm into electoral success when Ugandans finally go to the polls.